Barcelona outcast’s loan exit held up by complex financial negotiations after player says yes

Barcelona outcast’s loan exit held up by complex financial negotiations after player says yes Ajax have officially begun preparations for the 2026/27 season, but one of the club’s biggest priorities remains unresolved. The Dutch giants are pushing to complete the signing of out-of-favour Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the German goalkeeper hoping to join Michel’s squad as early as next week. All parties remain aligned on the objective , yet the final agreement continues to depend on Barcelona’s approval of the financial structure of the deal, reports SPORT . Ter Stegen has already said yes As per the report, Ter Stegen has already informed Ajax director Jordi Cruyff and manager Michel that he is fully committed to joining Ajax. The sporting project convinced him immediately, while the opportunity to become the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and begin a new chapter in his career also appealed on a personal level. From the player’s perspective, there are no remaining obstacles. He is eager to begin training with his new teammates and hopes the move can be completed during the coming week. Barcelona also view the transfer as beneficial. The club are keen to reduce Hansi Flick’s squad while removing one of the highest salaries from the wage bill. Ready to jump to Ajax. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Ter Stegen’s contract represents an annual cost of around €20 million for the club, making his departure an important part of Barcelona’s financial planning. The challenge lies in finding a solution that works for all three parties. Complex financial negotiations While Barcelona want salary relief, Ajax have made it clear that their transfer budget does not allow them to absorb a significant portion of the goalkeeper’s wages. The intention remains to complete a season-long loan, but negotiations have become increasingly focused on the distribution of Ter Stegen’s salary and the additional clauses that would accompany the agreement. Ajax would cover no more than 15% of the goalkeeper’s salary, leaving Barcelona responsible for the vast majority of his wages during the loan spell. To compensate for that financial burden, Barcelona are pushing for an extensive package of performance-related bonuses. Performance bonuses under discussion The proposed agreement is expected to include numerous variables that could increase Barcelona’s eventual financial return. Among the clauses being discussed are bonuses linked to the number of appearances Ter Stegen makes for Ajax, them qualifying for next season’s Champions League, and domestic or European trophies won during the campaign. Huge salary a problem. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Barcelona recognise that the initial salary savings would be relatively limited, but believe these performance incentives could significantly improve the overall value of the operation by the end of the season. The negotiations have also involved discussions over Ter Stegen’s own contribution to making the deal possible. The German goalkeeper is expected to make certain personal financial concessions to help bridge the gap between Barcelona’s wage obligations and Ajax’s limited budget. All three parties understand that compromises will be required if the transfer is to be completed successfully. Final approval still needed Talks have now reached what is considered the decisive stage. Ter Stegen is effectively packed and ready to travel, Michel is waiting to welcome him into Ajax’s pre-season preparations, and Jordi Cruyff continues working with Barça to finalise the remaining financial details. Only Barcelona’s final approval is still missing.