Ajax submit first loan offer for out-of-favour Barcelona veteran – report | OneFootball

According to Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, AFC Ajax have formally approached Barcelona with an offer to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan, as the Dutch club steps up its efforts to bring the experienced German goalkeeper to Amsterdam this summer.

While speculation in recent days has suggested a permanent transfer could be on the table, the reality is more complicated.

Ajax’s financial limitations mean the Eredivisie side can only pursue a loan deal, with Barcelona expected to continue covering the majority of Ter Stegen’s salary.

Salary division the main issue

As per the report, Ajax have officially submitted their proposal to Barcelona, a move that has been acknowledged by the Catalan club.

The biggest obstacle is not the player’s willingness to move but the financial structure of the deal.

Ter Stegen remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028 and is one of the club’s highest earners. His salary has increased after part of his wages were deferred two seasons ago to help Barcelona register other first-team players.

Ajax’s first offer is in. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As things stand, Ajax are only capable of paying a relatively small percentage of those wages, meaning negotiations continue over how the salary burden would be divided.

Despite the financial complexities, the most significant development is that Ter Stegen is open to joining Ajax after spending 12 years at Barcelona.

Why Ajax appeals to Ter Stegen

The project being built by sporting director Jordi Cruyff is another major attraction for the German international.

Ter Stegen knows Cruyff well and is encouraged by Ajax’s ambition to rebuild one of Europe’s most historic clubs.

The move also makes sense on a personal level. Amsterdam is only a short flight from Catalonia, allowing the goalkeeper to remain close to his two children while beginning a new chapter in his career.

From a football perspective, Ajax can offer something equally important. Ter Stegen would immediately become the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while Michel’s possession-based style suits the German’s strengths.

Ter Stegen open to Ajax move. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Barcelona continue negotiations

Barcelona continue discussions over the financial terms required to make the loan possible.

Earlier this month, Cruyff also made direct enquiries about Ter Stegen’s physical condition, speaking with people inside Barcelona to assess his recovery after months on the sidelines.

The feedback was positive, with the club confirming that the goalkeeper has fully recovered from the injury that kept him out since the end of January and is ready to compete again at the highest level.

With Ajax pushing to complete the deal before their competitive schedule begins, and Ter Stegen receptive to the move, negotiations are now centred almost entirely on finding a financial formula that satisfies both clubs.