Manchester United are reportedly preparing an ambitious January bid for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, as Erik ten Hag continues reshaping his squad in search of stability between the posts. With André Onana’s departure already confirmed earlier this season, United’s goalkeeping situation has become a top priority — and the club believes the world-class German could be the perfect solution.
According to close sources, the Red Devils have been monitoring Ter Stegen for several months and are ready to test Barcelona’s resolve with a mega offer exceeding £60 million when the winter window opens. Ten Hag, keen on building a side that plays with confidence from the back, reportedly views the Barça captain as “the ideal modern goalkeeper” capable of transforming United’s defensive identity.
Ter Stegen, 33, has been one of Europe’s most consistent and technically gifted goalkeepers for the last decade. Since joining Barcelona in 2014, he has collected multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Reys, and a Champions League crown, while earning a reputation for his razor-sharp reflexes and composure under pressure. His distribution and leadership are exactly what Ten Hag wants to inject into his evolving squad.
Manchester United, still in the midst of rebuilding after years of inconsistency, see Ter Stegen as more than just a signing — they see him as a statement of intent. The club’s hierarchy reportedly wants to bring in experienced, proven leaders to steady the ship after a turbulent first half of the season.
Barcelona, however, are reluctant to lose their captain mid-season. Yet, ongoing financial strain at the Catalan club might make negotiations possible, especially if United table a substantial offer. Reports suggest that the Premier League side is willing to offer a long-term deal with a salary package matching Ter Stegen’s status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
If the move materializes, it could be one of the headline transfers of the January window, sending shockwaves through European football. For United, it would represent another major step in their quest to return to elite status — and for Ter Stegen, a new challenge in the Premier League spotlight may be too tempting to resist.
