Barcelona face competition from Chelsea for 25-year-old Ter Stegen replacement

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is one of Barcelona’s captains and most important players on the field and has a good number of years remaining in his professional career.

His injury, however, has highlighted to the club the need to identify a younger long-term successor to begin grooming right now.

Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa, on that front, has emerged as a prime option, especially after his strong performances not only at the club level but also for Portugal in the Euros.

Severe competition

As revealed earlier this week, the 25-year-old is a serious option being considered by Joan Laporta’s board but every passing day makes it more clear as to why his arrival is complicated.

According to reports from England, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are also invested in the race to sign Costa as they are unimpressed by all four goalkeepers currently in the squad. They will go after his signing in June, competing directly with Barcelona.

Bayern Munich, moreover, are in the race as relayed yesterday as they begin to hunt a replacement for the retirement-approaching Manuel Neuer.

Furthermore, Manchester United are also said to be looking at the 25-year-old Portuguese international as an option if they decide to move on from Andre Onana.

Costa’s current deal with Porto runs until 2027 and his release clause stands at a staggering €75 million. The club, however, demands at least €40-50 million for his transfer, a fee in line with his current valuation.

The 25-year-old has made nine starts in Liga Portugal this season, maintaining six clean sheets and averaging 1.3 saves per game. Further, he has only conceded 0.4 goals per game.

With financially sound and able sides like Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the fray, Barcelona thus will have a difficult time if they are to pull off the goalkeeper’s signing.

But their strong relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes, could give the Catalans an edge. However, backup options are being scouted by Deco and his team.