The Catalan giants could be forced to cover the vast majority of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s salary as negotiations with Ajax over a season-long move intensify.
The future of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is once again shrouded in uncertainty. FC Barcelona have reportedly deemed their captain surplus to requirements and, in the wake of Girona’s relegation, are working to facilitate a move for the German international, with Ajax emerging as the most likely destination.
Negotiations are already in full swing. Marca reported this Sunday that both clubs are locked in active discussions regarding a loan move for the veteran shot-stopper for the upcoming campaign. A switch to Amsterdam would see him reunite with Michel Sanchez, who took the helm of the historic Ajax side following Girona’s drop to the second tier. The manager is a known admirer of the German, having backed him during a challenging January window, although a significant injury curtailed his impact to mere minutes on the pitch.
The primary obstacle remains financial. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen continues to command a hefty salary reflecting his long-standing status at the Camp Nou. With his current deal set to run until 30 June 2028, Barcelona are eager to offload his wages to balance the books. While Hansi Flick has made it clear he prefers Joan Garcia and Szczesny between the sticks, finding a permanent suitor for such a high earner is proving difficult.
As a result, reports indicate that Ajax have requested that FC Barcelona subsidise the lion’s share of his earnings. The Dutch outfit is only prepared to contribute between 10% and 15% of the 34-year-old’s salary. In real terms, this leaves the ‘Cules’ staring at a bill of around 15 million euros just to have a player on their payroll representing another side.
The situation echoes last season’s arrangement when Barcelona successfully sanctioned a loan for the goalkeeper to Girona. It is increasingly viewed as a necessary price to pay to ensure a club icon does not spend the season languishing on the bench—or in the stands—due to tactical decisions. Jordi Cruyff, who previously worked alongside Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany during the infancy of the president’s second term, is now spearheading the technical department at Ajax and is intimately familiar with the goalkeeper’s predicament.