TRANSFER TWIST: Manchester City Target Ter Stegen as Donnarumma Deal Stalls – Barcelona’s Price Tag Shocks Everyone
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a sensational move for Barcelona’s star goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen amid growing doubts over their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. With the summer transfer window heating up, City are now exploring alternatives — and the German international has emerged as a serious target.
According to sources close to the club, manager Pep Guardiola remains determined to reinforce the goalkeeping position following uncertainty around Ederson’s long-term future and Stefan Ortega’s potential departure. Although City had initially prioritized Donnarumma as their top choice, negotiations with PSG have proven complicated, prompting a shift in focus toward Barcelona’s experienced shot-stopper.
In a surprising development, Manchester City captain Ilkay Gündogan — who previously played alongside Ter Stegen for both the German national team and during his own time at Barcelona — has reportedly stepped in to help facilitate the move. The two are said to have held private conversations in recent weeks, with Gündogan actively encouraging Ter Stegen to consider a new challenge in the Premier League.
“Ilkay still has strong ties at Barcelona and knows Ter Stegen well,” an insider revealed. “He believes the goalkeeper would thrive under Pep Guardiola’s system and is doing his part to convince him.”
Ter Stegen, 32, has long been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and his consistency in La Liga has earned him a loyal following at Camp Nou. However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges mean they may be open to high-profile sales this summer — but only at the right price.
That price, however, has taken everyone by surprise.
Barcelona have reportedly set an asking price of €90 million for their goalkeeper — a figure that has stunned both fans and officials in Manchester. The Catalan giants are reluctant to part ways with a player they consider vital to their defensive structure, and the hefty valuation reflects their intent to either keep Ter Stegen or cash in massively.
For City, the high fee poses a dilemma. While Guardiola admires Ter Stegen’s ball-playing ability and calm presence under pressure — qualities crucial to his tactical setup — the club is wary of overspending, especially with other key positions also requiring reinforcement this summer.
Football pundits across Europe are divided on whether the deal will go through. Some argue that Ter Stegen’s experience and quality make him worth the investment, particularly with City aiming to dominate both domestically and internationally. Others suggest that City could reignite their efforts to land Donnarumma or explore younger, more affordable options.
Meanwhile, Ter Stegen has remained silent amid the swirling rumors, and Barcelona have issued no formal comment on the matter.
With the transfer window still in full swing, Manchester City’s search for a world-class goalkeeper is far from over — and whether it ends with Donnarumma, Ter Stegen, or a surprise third option remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Guardiola’s side are not afraid to make bold moves in their pursuit of perfection.
