Ter Stegen's Move to Ajax Hits a Major Roadblock
The future of Marc-André ter Stegen has once again become uncertain. Just days after it appeared the German goalkeeper was on the verge of joining Ajax, negotiations have unexpectedly stalled, and a deal that once seemed close is now far from being completed.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto of Marca, talks between FC Barcelona and the Dutch club have reached another standstill after new financial disagreements emerged during negotiations.
What looked like a straightforward transfer is now shaping up to become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
Ter Stegen's Salary Is the Main Obstacle
The biggest issue is no longer limited to tax-related matters.
Instead, negotiations are now centered on how Ter Stegen's salary will be divided between the clubs.
The German international earns around €16 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid players in Barcelona's squad and creating a significant challenge for any potential buyer.
Barcelona believes Ajax has the financial ability to assume a much larger portion of those wages and is unwilling to repeat a similar arrangement to one used in the past.
During Ter Stegen's loan spell with Girona, the Catalan club covered almost the entire salary. Girona paid only about 3% of his wages, while Barcelona continued paying the remaining balance.
That option is no longer being considered.
Club officials believe Ajax is financially stronger and should take on a much greater share of the goalkeeper's salary if they truly want to complete the transfer.
Financial Fair Play Has Changed Barcelona's Position
Barcelona's stance is also driven by financial strategy.
The club continues working to improve its position under Financial Fair Play regulations, meaning covering most of Ter Stegen's salary would undermine its efforts to reduce the wage bill and create room for future signings and contract renewals.
For that reason, the board led by Joan Laporta has maintained a firm negotiating position and appears unwilling to make additional concessions.
Ajax Continue to Wait
On Ajax's side, there is still genuine interest in signing the experienced German goalkeeper.
However, the new financial conditions set by Barcelona have significantly reduced the Dutch club's room for negotiation.
According to Matteo Moretto, discussions remain ongoing, but there is currently no agreement within reach.
Only a few days ago, everything pointed toward Ter Stegen traveling to Amsterdam to finalize the move.
Now, the situation has changed completely.
Until both clubs reach an agreement over the distribution of the goalkeeper's salary, the transfer will remain on hold, leaving Marc-André ter Stegen's future as one of the biggest storylines of this summer's transfer window.
