Barcelona captain opens the doors to Ajax move; deal hinges on one key factor – Romano | OneFootball

In recent seasons, Barcelona have struggled a lot to secure exits for players who have not been a key part of their plans, with some deals even dragging on until deadline day.

This summer transfer window, Deco seems to be doing a much better job of sorting out these exits early, which allows them to plan better for the upcoming season.

Barcelona have all but secured an exit for Ansu Fati, who is set to join AS Monaco permanently, thereby enabling the Catalan club to take his hefty wages off their books.

One other player who belongs to the same category is Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The club captain is no longer in Hansi Flick’s plans, and an exit makes sense for everyone involved.

Ter Stegen opens the door

Now, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ter Stegen has opened the door to joining Ajax, with negotiations now advancing on both the player and club side.

The journalist has claimed that talks are well underway, with Ajax working on an initial loan deal with Barcelona.

The Dutch outfit’s new coach Michel and sporting director Jordi Cruyff both want the German goalkeeper as their new number one. That is a significant step forward from the earlier stage of simple interest.

Ter Stegen open to Ajax move. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Ajax had been following Ter Stegen for weeks, but the operation now appears to have moved into a more serious phase.

Salary share is the key

The main point being discussed is the salary split. That was always going to be the difficult part because ter Stegen’s wages are substantial and Barça need financial leeway from his exit.

If Ajax take on a meaningful portion of his salary, the deal could help Barcelona reinvest those wages elsewhere to reinforce the squad.

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

That makes a loan logical. Ter Stegen gets a serious European club, Michel gets leadership in goal, and Barcelona reduce pressure on their wage bill.

Not a part of Flick’s plans. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

An exit that would suit everyone

Ter Stegen has been one of Barcelona’s most important players for years, and his place in the club’s modern history is secure.

That said, football moves on really quickly. Barça have changed their goalkeeping structure, and keeping a high-earning veteran without a clear role would not help anyone.

Ajax are an interesting destination because the move would still offer status, responsibility and European relevance.

For Ter Stegen, it is a chance to start fresh without the pressure in Spain and the constant spotlight and scrutiny that follow his stardom.

One more very important step for the German goalkeeper would be to find a way to stay fit for a sustained period. His body has let him down massively in recent times.

A loan move could see all parties benefit this summer, and it remains to be seen what terms Ajax negotiate with Barça to take Ter Stegen on for the rest of the season.