Barcelona pen deals for Messi and Pique, sign ter Stegen

Barcelona have tied down defender Gerard Pique and attacker Lionel Messi on new deals while confirming the signing of German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Even though their domestic campaign ended in disappointment on Saturday as they finished in second place behind Atletico Madrid, the Catalan giants have had a busy past few days handling exits, arrivals and new contracts.

They have now tied down superstar Messi on a new deal reportedly worth 20 million euros ($34.3m) a year until 2018 while penning a four-year contract extension for defensive lynchpin Pique.

Following the exit of Victor Valdes, Barca have also moved to sign German international ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach as a replacement.

In the past few days, the Nou Camp has witnessed the departure of coach Gerardo Martino and the arrival of his replacement, former player Luis Enrique.

Legendary defender Carles Puyol also announced his retirement last week due to a long-standing injury problem.

Sources: Sky Sports, Barcelona official website