Barça's positive gesture with ter Stegen ahead of fresh contract talks

Barça know that Marc-André ter Stegen must be one of the pillars the team is built around. He already is an important member of the squad and getting him to sign a new deal is a priority for the club. Talks on a new contract haven't progressed yet but Josep Maria Bartomeu wants to resolve that issue before he steps down as president of the club. For ter Stegen, he sees this as a positive step in the right direction.

When Ronald Koeman was in talks with Barça about becoming their new manager, he made a number of requests when it came to bringing in his own staff. Henrik Larsson and Alfred Schreuder came with Koeman but the club turned down one of his proposals: a new goalkeeping coach.

Barça are aware that ter Stegen and the current goalkeeping coach, José Ramón de la Fuente, have a very strong relationship. The German keeper believes de la Fuente has been key in his development.

Ter Stegen wants Barça to show they are creating an ambitious, winning project. He doesn't want to leave and is keep a close eye on the upcoming election battle at the club. However, he also knows his worth and value to this team and how it should be reflected in his wages. 

Barça hope to restart talks over a new contract in the upcoming weeks once the transfer window has closed. Ter Stegen is tied down until 2022 which is why the club must move quickly as they won't be short of offers next summer should that new deal remain unsigned.