NEW GOALIE FOR BARCA.

The much anticipated transfer of German goalkeeper Andre ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach to Barcelona has been completed, according to the Spanish club.

The Catalan giants took to Twitter to announce the deal in what has been a busy day following the announcements of Lionel Messi’s new contract extension that will keep the Argentine superstar at the Nou Camp until 2019 and the confirmation that former playerLuis Enrique has been appointed the new first team coach following the departure of the largely unpopular Tata Martino following his failure to win a trophy in his first season.

The announcement doesn’t come as much of a surprise as Ter Stegen has been was widely tipped to join Barcelona for some time and become the successor to long term number one Victor Valdes who looks set to join AS Monaco having opted not to renew his current contract which expires at the end of the season.

Speaking after his final game for Monchengladbach, the German international said:

“I think everyone understands why I cried. I’ve spent all my life at this club and it will always be in my heart. I thank the club and I’ll be a fan for life,” Ter Stegen said.

“But while this goodbye is painful I don’t at all regret my departure. I’m 100% with my decision to sign for Barca.”

The 22-year-old stopper was something of a surprise omission from Joachim Low’s 23-man World Cup squad, with Hannover 96’s Ron-Robert Zieler taking the third goalkeeping position in Brazil and Ter Stegen admitted his disappointment being left out:

“Of course I’d love to be with the national team. I’ve had a good season,” he added.

As well as Ter Stegen’s arrival, Barcelona also took the opportunity to announce that fellow goalkeeper Pinto would be leaving the club after six and a half years service as the club had opted not to renew his expiring contract:

“The Board of Directors want to publicly thank the professionalism and dedication of José Manuel Pinto throughout his time at the Club," said the club in an issued statement.

Finally there was the indication that loan players Gerard Deulofeu and Rafinha would be returning to the first team setup for next season.

Deulofeu has enjoyed a successful season in England with Everton, helping the Merseyside club to fifth place in the Barclays Premier League and subsequently qualifying for next season’s Europa League whilst Rafinha, younger brother of Bayern and former Barca midfielder Thiago, returns from a season playing under new coach Luis Enrique at Celta Vigo.