10 Jan 2015

Top Transfer: LFC plan surprise bid for 'extraordinary' £17m Barca star, & BR already has a dossier on him

Ten days into the January transfer window, and Liverpool are seemingly no closer to bringing-in a much-needed new goalkeeper, but things could be about to change, though, as the Reds are reportedly considering a surprise move for Barcelona 'stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

According to Sky Sports today:

"Liverpool are planning an audacious January swoop for ter Stegen [who] is currently behind Claudio Bravo in the Nou Camp pecking order"

Liverpool have been linked with £17m-rated ter Stegen a couple of times in the past:

Sep 2012: The Mirror claimed that Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers had 'compiled a dossier' on ter Stegen.

Feb 2013: he Daily Mail reported: "The [LFC] net has been cast further afield, and form reports have been ordered on Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen"

ter Stegen - recently hailed as 'extraordinary' by former Bayern boss Jupp Heynkes - has made just 8 appearances for Barcelona this season, but his stats are impressive:

* 5 goals conceded in 8 games (0.6 per game)
* Concedes a goal every 144 mins (1 every 1.6 games)
* 5 clean sheets (62% of games)

Despite his excellent form, ter Stegen is stuck on the bench most of the time, and in an interview this week, the German revealed his frustration with the situation. He told Bild:

“The situation is difficult. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care and it isn’t easy being a spectator. I want to be the No. 1...so it’s something I will fight for."

ter Stegen's struggle to make his mark is hardly surprising, and perhaps he should've heeded the advice of Madrid legend Bodo Illgner, who advised the young keeper against signing for such a big club early in his career. Over the summer, he told reporters:

"A transfer at his age could affect a career in two ways, both positive and negative. If you make a mistake at a big club and get off to a bad start, it would leave a big mark on his career"

There's no doubting ter Stegen's talent, though, and in an interview last season with Bild, Bayern Munich legend Sepp Maier hailed the Keeper's ability:

"Marc is virtually on par with Manuel Neuer. Neuer has just preceded him, he plays for Bayern and can distinguish himself internationally. [Ter Stegen] is now a great goalkeeper."

German national team coach Andreas Keopke is also a fan of ter Stegen:

"He [ter Stegen] has great serenity, and he's played outstanding this season with some great performances"

Liverpool could certainly do with some good old German efficiency in the team, but it seems unlikely that Barcelona will let one of the world's best young goalkeepers leave after only six months at the club.

A loan deal is a possibility, but that doesn't help LFC. Rodgers can't build an enduring defensive unit around a temporary goalkeeper; the Reds need a permanent solution, and that probably rules out ter Stegen.

Author:


24 comments:

  1. I seriously doubt this ... With barca ban in place why would they let anyone leave ? They can't sign anyone for the whole of 2015...

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  2. Barcelona cannot sign any new players till the start of 2016 so I really doubt selling Stegen will be on their minds right now.

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  3. I see the bayern Munich director has come out saying that Liverpool bid 20 mil euro's for shaqiri but he wanted to join inter...

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  4. Inter offered him minutage.

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  5. Today = NO sterling lallana -Sturidge - so we dont score - Sunderland 2 Liverpool 0 - And hope to God I have it hopelessly wrong

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  6. We will probably start with Lambert up on his own because Rodgers does not fancy Borini and Balotelli as he said does not fit in.


    What a mess we are in.

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  7. I'd drive him to Crystal Palace. Nothing against him personally as he's technically competent but he doesn't make a difference. He has zero pace and he seems a bit overwhelmed and out of place. That side footed shot against AFC Wimbeldon was very tame. He should do better in my opinion.

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  8. Milner is a steady, reliable payer, but his pedestrian brand of huff-and-puff football is definitely not going to take Liverpool to the next level



    that statement crystallises my sentiments, although if he's free, its relatively low risk.

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  9. Oh great another crock.

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  10. He also said top players wouldnt come to us because we werent in the CL. We were in the CL. He signed Can, Lallana, Markovic, Balotelli, Manquillo, Lambert.

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  11. Sfairephobia - fear of spherical objects. I'm thinking Migs might be a sufferer.

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  12. Plato? Yes!! We could do with someone with his football philosophy in the team. But didn't he die in 348 BC?

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  13. He also said if the right player was available then the club would look to do something

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  14. You've been watching too much of Monty Pythons..

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  15. B Rodgers should say you can have R Lambert(32) and we take Y Bolaise(25) and give you £5m cash also.

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  16. That's sorted then we won't/ we might

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  17. Terry McDermotts perm11:54 am, January 10, 2015

    Do you reckon they'll do a swap with Brad Jones?

    According to Talk sport Borini is in today.

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  18. You can't watch too much Monty Python

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  19. Looks like Borini up front no Sterling

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  20. Sterling not on the bench?

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  21. This is probably the best goalie option for us. Huge, huge upgrade.

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