Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s move to Ajax is back on, but Barcelona is going to cover a jaw-dropping 90% of his salary to get it done. Yeah, you read that right. After bombshell reports just last night hinted the deal was dead in the water, a fresh report from Diario AS confirms the goalkeeper could still be heading to Ajax this summer, with Barca taking a massive hit to make it happen.
The Money Move That Nobody Saw Coming
Seriously, the original word was that ter Stegen’s transfer had stalled big time because of major disagreements between Ajax and Barcelona, especially around how to split his salary. It felt like a classic club-versus-club standoff. But now, it’s apparently down to just some bureaucratic tax issues, and the Dutch club is super hopeful they can resolve it in a few days. The financial sticking point is still real though, because Ajax can only swing a tiny percentage of the keeper’s wages. That leaves Barcelona to shell out almost all of it, reportedly 90%, just to push this deal over the line. Despite all the complications, both sides are confident they will find a resolution soon. That’s a huge commitment from Barca to move him.
Ter Stegen’s Immediate Future: Training Camp or Transfer Talks?
While all this salary drama plays out, ter Stegen’s immediate plans are a bit up in the air. Hansi Flick, the German coach, has included him in the squad that’s flying to England for a training camp. But everything hinges on a meeting between ter Stegen and Flick at the Ciutat Esportiva before they depart. Flick’s not going to be a blocker if the goalkeeper wants to stay in Barcelona to lock down his transfer, but if he decides to roll with the squad, Flick is ready to welcome him with open arms, just like he did when he gave him minutes in that friendly against Europa on Friday. The squad traveling to England will also see Raphinha back from holiday, who had a quiet World Cup plagued by a hamstring injury.
Trimming the Squad: More Exits On the Horizon
Ter Stegen’s departure is probably just the start for Barcelona. They’re clearly looking to slim down their squad even further. Marc Casado is another name on the potential exit list, and the club’s stance hasn’t changed even with Frenkie de Jong’s long-term injury. De Jong has a tear in the lateral collateral ligament of his right knee and is facing a lengthy recovery, but that major blow hasn’t altered Barcelona’s roadmap for Casado’s future. It sounds like they are serious about reshaping this roster, no matter the cost or who is already sidelined.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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