Dutch giants remain interested in Barcelona captain but no offer made – report | OneFootball

One of the biggest departures Barcelona needed to sort out this summer was that of club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

While even the most optimistic Barça fan would not have expected the German to leave on a permanent transfer, a loan seemed to be on the cards for Ter Stegen.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Ajax are interested in the club captain, but the operation has not yet reached the stage of a formal offer.

The Dutch club have been looking at the Barcelona goalkeeper for weeks, with new Ajax coach Michel asking the club to explore the possibility of signing him.

It emerged in recent days that a move was close. However, according to this report, Ajax like Ter Stegen, but there is no offer on the table yet.

Barcelona would welcome a solution for the German goalkeeper, but interest alone does not solve the financial or sporting problem.

Michel wants leadership in goal

Michel is the key figure behind the Ajax interest. He briefly worked with Ter Stegen at Girona and values his experience, quality and leadership.

Ajax want Ter Stegen. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That makes the idea logical. Ajax are entering a new project, and adding a goalkeeper with more than a decade of elite experience could help stabilise the team.

Ter Stegen’s Barcelona situation is also clear. He still has two years left on his contract, but he no longer has a prominent role under Hansi Flick.

Joan Garcia is the No. 1, and Wojciech Szczesny is ahead of him as the second option, leaving the German veteran in a difficult place.

A loan could give him minutes and status, while giving Barcelona some much-needed salary relief.

Barça need more than just interest

The financial side is central. Barcelona want to remove as much of Ter Stegen’s salary as possible from their books because of fair play needs.

That is why an Ajax move would only work if the Dutch club are willing to take on a meaningful part of his wages.

Where will Ter Stegen play next season? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Jordi Cruyff, Ajax’s sporting director, has already asked about Ter Stegen’s situation through direct contact with people at Barcelona. It is clear that they like him.

Barça are placing a lot of emphasis on clearing the existing goalkeeping situation, with Diego Kochen and Inaki Pena already leaving the club and Ter Stegen not far behind.

Ter Stegen may have been an excellent servant for Barça during his prime years, but it is very clear that the team have moved on from him.

It remains to be seen whether Ajax submit a bid for the German international and whether Barcelona can reach an agreement sooner rather than later.