FC Barcelona has taken a fresh step to finalize the delayed loan of Marc-André ter Stegen to Ajax.
A key point remains that Ajax is reportedly not willing to cover even €2 million of Ter Stegen’s wages during the loan period. Barcelona will continue to pay the bulk of his salary, although the amount will fluctuate based on how much the goalkeeper plays. Ajax insisted on this structure after last season’s experience with Girona, where Barcelona paid the full agreed salary share even though Ter Stegen only played twice due to injury.
These financial details have added complexity to an already complicated three-party operation between the clubs and the player. Barcelona had previously indicated that the outstanding issues were for the player to manage, but with delays growing problematic, the club intervened by adjusting the financial terms directly.
From Barcelona’s perspective, the biggest concern is that Ajax’s patience is running out. The Dutch side believed the agreement to be settled and has reportedly found the lengthy paperwork process hard to understand. They remain open to completing the loan but are considering the possibility that the deal might collapse.
Ter Stegen’s departure is important for Barcelona’s squad planning, and failure to close the loan would leave Hansi Flick with an unresolved situation while Ajax seeks alternatives. July 31 is a key deadline when Ajax must register players for the next Conference League qualifying stage if they advance.
There is finally new movement in the process. Although the financial terms are not ideal for Barcelona, completing the loan would bring sporting clarity and some salary relief. The priority is to finalize the deal before Ajax decides to stop waiting.
