Transfer Centre

Marc-Andre ter Stegen told by Josep Maria Bartomeu to take a pay cut

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 27 July 2020

Barcelona have prioritised contract talks with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but the goalkeeper must accept a reduced salary if he is to stay on at Camp Nou.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has informed Marc-Andre ter Stegen that he must take a pay cut if he is to sign a new deal at Camp Nou.

The Germany international has two years to run on his existing contract and has recently emerged as a rumoured target for Chelsea.

Barca have prioritised talks with Ter Stegen over fresh terms, but the 28-year-old will have to accept a reduced salary as the Catalan giants adapt to the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Asked about the club's priority this summer in terms of new contracts, Bartomeu told Mundo Deportivo: "For me, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"Not just for his quality as a goalkeeper, but also for his personality as a player, his manner and the way he relates to people.

"He's a mainstay in the dressing room and for the future. For a goalkeeper, he's very young and he's already in the elite. At 28, he's one of the three best in the world.

"He understands what is happening in society and he knows that with the decrease in income at clubs like Barca, he will have to adjust his salary. All the players are doing it and we are working on that."

Messi is also due to become a free agent at the end of next season, but Bartomeu is confident that the superstar forward will not be leaving the club.