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Three games have passed since Marc-Andre Ter Stegen returned to action for Barcelona. In the three games against Granada, Celta Vigo and Napoli respectively, the German could not maintain a single clean sheet and conceded five goals.
His lack of form is understandable, considering that he was out of action for a lengthy period prior. Moreover, the overall defence’s downfall also has an equal role to play in the failure to maintain regular clean sheets this season.
En route to Asia?
As revealed yesterday, the German shot-stopper has an ‘interesting’ offer from Saudi Arabia, opening the door to a possible departure. It is true that Barcelona do not have any able backup as it stands, but a sale cannot be ruled out if Ter Stegen’s poor run of form continues.
After all, his performances have been called into question by pundits and fans alike, especially on the biggest of stages. If the Catalans could recover a sizeable sum from Saudi Arabia for his services, they could look to utilise the same towards a new goalkeeper and their overall financial health.
Now, according to an update from Mundo Deportivo, the German goalkeeper’s entourage refuses any knowledge of an offer from Saudi Arabia for Ter Stegen.
While it is entirely possible that his entourage are trying to shift the focus away from developments in the shadows, it is entirely plausible that the entire story of an offer from Asia has no truth to it.
Renewed with responsibility
Ter Stegen has only risen in prominence from when he signed for the club back in 2014 and is now one of the captains of the team.
With Sergi Roberto not a regular on the field, it is often the goalkeeper who dons the captain’s armband.
Considering that the player only renewed his contract with the club until 2028 last August, a departure at this point in time appears unlikely, especially given his stature in the dressing room.
A lot could change, however, between now and the summer transfer market.