Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: Could he join Bayern?

David Lynch

• Updated: 17 May 2021 22:39 BST
• 3 min read

Reports originating in Spain this week have suggested that Barcelona are weighing up the possibility of selling Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Bayern Munich.

The German has been tipped to make an €80 million return to his homeland at the end of the season in order to take the place of compatriot Manuel Neuer between the sticks.

But just how likely is the transfer?

Ter Stegen to Bayern: Pros

Barcelona’s financial problems are a matter of public record.

As a result of recent reckless spending in the transfer market, the Catalan club’s economic outlook was already far from healthy prior to the further blow of coronavirus being dealt.

As such, they desperately need to generate cash, and with Lionel Messi – whose wages represent a major financial burden – looking more likely to stay following the resignation of president Josep Maria Bartomeu, Ter Stegen could instead depart.

As for Bayern, with Neuer set to turn 35 this season, the search for his successor is becoming increasingly pressing.

Consequently, signing the player who is already being groomed to take his place at international level with Germany makes plenty of sense if a deal is possible.

As the SciSports graph below shows, the two players’ careers appear to be on different trajectories, and Ter Stegen looks the ideal fit to take the gloves next at Bayern.

Ter Stegen to Bayern: Cons

Of course, Ter Stegen is something of a rarity at Barca in that his best years appear to be ahead of him.

Ronald Koeman’s squad is in desperate need of work in the coming transfer windows, and creating a new problem by selling a world-class performer who is only likely to get better would be ill-advised. The fact that Ter-Stegen has also just signed a new contract with Barca only last week suggests that they have no desire to be looking for a replacement any time soon.

What’s more, Bayern already appear to have their Neuer successor in Alexander Nubel.

The 24-year-old arrived at the Allianz Arena from Schalke on a free transfer over the summer, presumably with an eye on eventually taking over from the man currently between the sticks.

Unless Hansi Flick has already determined that the Germany youth international won’t make the grade, a move for Ter Stegen looks unlikely.