Amsterdam Calling

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is ready to move. The Barcelona goalkeeper has opened the door to a loan switch to Ajax, with negotiations now running on both the club and personal front. Michel, newly appointed as Ajax head coach, made signing ter Stegen a top priority from day one. Jordi Cruyff, Ajax’s director of football, is fully aligned. Both men want the German between the sticks in Amsterdam next season. The feeling, it turns out, is mutual.

Ter Stegen knows his situation at Barcelona well. Hansi Flick has made Joan Garcia his first choice, and that decision is final. The 34-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract but has not featured regularly in LaLiga for over a year. A damaging hamstring injury cut short his winter loan at Girona. Now, healthy and hungry, he needs a fresh start somewhere he will actually play. Ajax offers exactly that.

Salary the Final Hurdle

The bones of a deal are in place. Barcelona and Ajax are discussing a season-long loan, and ter Stegen himself is willing to make the move. However, one key sticking point remains. Ajax can only cover a fraction of his reported €15 million annual wage. Sources suggest the Dutch club are willing to take on between 10 and 15 percent of his salary. Barcelona would absorb the rest. A significant ask, but one the Catalan club may have to accept. Few clubs can afford ter Stegen’s wages at all.

Michel worked briefly with the goalkeeper at Girona before that stint ended in injury. That short spell was enough to convince him. He wants ter Stegen. Barcelona want the wages off their books. The deal makes sense for everyone. For the latest goalkeeper transfer news, visit KCPredict, and follow Ajax’s summer business at Ajax official site.