Ter Stegen's Barcelona future being pushed to the limit

Barcelona have made renewing Marc-Andre ter Stegen's contract an absolute priority. Therefore, they have spent months trying to come to an agreement, but they're still a way off. After various rejected proposals, Barça feel talks cannot continue until they know the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. For that reason, they've told the goalkeeper that negotiations are on hold -- knowing the risk they are taking. Various top clubs want the German. 

The relationship between Barça and Ter Stegen's people is good. There's a difference in terms of the negotiations but there's still a desire to reach an agreement. For that reason, his agent, Gerd vom Bruch, understands the club's reasons for asking for talks to stop for a while. Barça need to know what their financial situation is post-pandemic. 

Barça have also stopped talks with Nelson Semedo and Arthur over new deals. Ter Stegen has always shown his total predisposition to renew because he's happy in Barcelona with his family. But he also understands that things will not be the same after the health crisis and wants to feel valued by the club. 

The Germany international doesn't earn as much as many of his teammates, who have renewed more recently than him. In fact, he earns much less than some players who don't play nearly as much as him -- let alone have his role in the team. Barça accept that his petition is fair, but the financial situation is complicated and they're studying variables to convince him to sign. 

Club sources say Ter Stegen's priority is to extend his deal and it's false that he's sounding out other clubs. That doesn't mean other clubs are not interested. If Ter Stegen does not renew this year, Barça are obliged to sell him in 2021 before he can leave for free in 2022. 

Juventus, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea are all following the situation. Pep Guardiola's City tried to sign him in 2016, when they ended up with Claudio Bravo. They have since signed Emerson so may not be as keen this time around, but the pressure is on and Ter Stegen knows he has the ball in his court. The stoppage in the negotiations will only increase the rumours.