Transfers
Barcelona's wage relief stalls as Ajax grow impatient
Marc-Andre ter Stegen's expected departure from Barcelona has hit a snag, with Ajax reporting growing frustration over the length of time needed to finalise the transfer to Amsterdam. The 34‑year‑old goalkeeper’s move, initially presented as a straightforward loan, now faces uncertainty.
Offloading ter Stegen is a key piece of Barcelona’s summer puzzle. The 34‑year‑old slipped down the goalkeeping order after Joan Garcia’s emergence, and his sizeable wages are something the club are eager to move off their books.
The move is championed by sporting director Jordi Cruyff and new Ajax boss Michel, who previously wanted the German at Girona. It would give ter Stegen regular football after a spell dogged by injury.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the sticking point lies with a series of tax matters on Barcelona’s side that still need clearing before the deal can be signed off. That process has taken longer than anticipated, and the Dutch club are said to be unhappy with the wait.
Ajax officials in Amsterdam are reportedly puzzled as to why the paperwork remains unresolved, and there is a growing sense of irritation that a deal they considered done is still hanging in the balance. So strong is that frustration that Ajax have privately signalled the agreement could be scrapped altogether unless the outstanding problems are dealt with promptly.
Nevertheless, ter Stegen is due at the club’s training complex to undergo a medical alongside the rest of the players returning for the start of pre‑season, suggesting both parties still expect the move to happen. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The hope in Catalonia is to untangle the tax and regulatory issues without delay, as Barcelona may need to act fast to preserve the offloading plan. The Catalans are watching closely, aware that the resolution will impact their wage structure and squad composition.