Barcelona advance in talks with European giants over veteran star’s departure – report | OneFootball

One of the biggest exits for Barcelona to sort out ahead of the 2026-27 season is that of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the club captain.

The German goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order due to a spate of injuries in recent seasons, and being a high earner, getting his wages off the books, at least partially, was paramount for the Catalan club.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona and Ajax are advancing in negotiations over a loan move for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The two clubs are making progress on a deal that would send the German goalkeeper to Amsterdam, where Michel and Jordi Cruyff are pushing to bring him into Ajax’s new project.

The negotiations are being handled directly by Deco and Cruyff, and once an agreement is reached, they will have to complete the bureaucratic procedures.

Ter Stegen closing in on Ajax move. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick’s hierarchy is clear. Joan Garcia is the number one, Wojciech Szczesny is the second option, and Ter Stegen no longer has the prominence he once enjoyed.

Salary split remains crucial

The most important part of the negotiation is expected to be the salary share. Barcelona need Ajax to cover a meaningful portion of Ter Stegen’s wages for the loan to make sense financially.

That is why this operation is not just about finding him a club. It is about structuring the deal in a way that helps Barcelona’s salary limit and gives the sporting department more flexibility.

Ajax can offer Ter Stegen something valuable: a serious European stage, a coach who wants him and the chance to feel important again.

Sitting at Barça as a third-choice goalkeeper would not fit his status or ambition, and he is too talented a player to be doing that.

A respectful solution for everyone involved

Set to reunite with Michel at Ajax? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Ter Stegen has been a key figure for Barcelona for years, and his best seasons should not be forgotten.

However, every story reaches its natural end, and it is time for this one to come to a close, both for Ter Stegen and the Blaugrana.

A loan to Ajax would be a clean solution. It may not be the break everyone wants, once and for all, but it is still a start.

The deal is not done yet, but the direction is positive. Talks are advancing, and if the salary split is solved, Ter Stegen’s exit could soon move from possibility to reality.

It remains to be seen how the German shot-stopper gets along in the Netherlands under Michel.