While Lionel Messi’s contract talks are still underway the president believes Ter Stegen’s situation also requires an equal amount of attention. The keeper has a major part to play in Barcelona’s season and is their new No 1.
The sale of Claudio Bravo to Manchester City has automatically promoted Andre Ter Stegen to No 1 in the team. The Catalans have also brought in Jasper Cillessen as backup from Ajax this summer.
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Ter Stegen played decently well in his first La Liga game against Bilbao this season, but the jury on whether he will be able to perform the role as well as his predecessor remains to be seen.
The German international was the club's Cup keeper last season. He played in most of the UEFA Champions League matches as well as the domestic cup competition. He was close to leaving the club in the last transfer window but decided to stay and fight for his place.
The departure of Claudio Bravo was in itself a little surprising. Then again the opportunity to play for one of the best managers in the world is one that hard to pass up. In any case, Ter Stegen is now Barcelona's most experienced keeper and has a big role to play this season.
President Josep Bartomeu had this to say regarding his future as cited by Sport “ He is a fundamental piece in the future of Barcelona. Like Rakitic, Suarez and Messi, he is a lynchpin and our commitment to him is strong.”
Luis Enrique’s contract is also up at the end of the season, and the president also addressed that concern. “Now we're focused on the football and a really exciting season. The moment for that will arrive, in March, April or May.”
Messi might miss Barca’s opening UCL fixture
The injury to Lionel Messi during the international break is of great concern for the club and the fans. The Argentine has started the new seasons extremely well and with Neymar still to start his first game, Messi and Suarez have carried the attacking burden of the team.
To lose him for the La Liga game this weekend would be a blow but for their Champions League opener as well, catastrophic. The player has been advised by doctors to lighten his training session and the decision to play him in the upcoming games will be based on how his current situation progresses.
