Barcelona transfer news: Marc-Andre ter Stegen set to be rewarded with new contract despite errors against Celta Vigo
German goalkeeper admits he was responsible for shock 4-3 defeat on Sunday but Barca chiefs love his eccentric style
BARCELONA are reportedly set to hand Marc-Andre ter Stegen a new contract following summer interest from Manchester City.
The German ace was lined up for an Etihad switch by Pep Guardiola before being assured he was the new No.1 at the Nou Camp.
City instead moved for teammate Claudio Bravo, but things haven’t been going exactly to plan for Ter Stegen and boss Luis Enrique.
Barcelona have already lost two of their opening seven La Liga matches, although they remain just two points off leaders Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants were on the receiving end of a shock 4-3 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, and Ter Stegen was responsible for two of the goals.
However, Spanish newspaper claims Barca accept his eccentric style will occasionally lead to the odd mistake, and are actually loving having him between the sticks.
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Ter Stegen’s ‘sweeper-keeper’ role saw make him make more passes than any other La Liga goalie in history during August’s 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, making him a key cog in the team's forward momentum.
And Barcelona chiefs are apparently ready to show their commitment to Ter Stegen by extending his contract until 2021.
The ex-Gladbach star can expect a hefty pay rise, while his current £70million is also set to rocket.
And Ter Stegen endeared himself even further to the Barca faithful after the Celta Vigo defeat by admitting he was indeed at fault for some sloppy goals.
Ter Stegen said: “We fought until the end, but the goal is my fault – I am really sorry for the team for what happened.
“Clearly I want to make a pass to Jordi. It is a failure that cannot happen and again I’m sorry for the team, who fought until the end. If I had not made this decision we may have won and this was clearly my fault.
“Although this has happened I will not change my game. It has only happened once.
“It’s a defeat that hurts, but we must continue. Now comes the international break and then we will try to follow the path we were on before. We must get up and go on.”
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