Ajax stalls on Ter Stegen loan as fiscal dispute looms

Ajax’s technical director Jordi Cruijff insists the club will not abandon goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen, even as the Dutch side waits weeks for the “white smoke” that would confirm the loan, while Barcelona’s fiscal demands keep the deal in limbo.

Jordi Cruijff has publicly stated he is not planning to cut ties with ter Stegen at this stage. Ajax continues to hold out for a clear signal before considering any alternative candidate in Amsterdam.

All three parties – Ajax, FC Barcelona and the German international – have already agreed on a season‑long loan. Ter Stegen hopes to revive his career at the Johan Cruyff Arena after a series of difficult years, yet no contract has been signed.

According to ’s Lentin Goodijk, the stumbling block is a fiscal issue primarily between the player and Barcelona. The goalkeeper’s salary in Catalonia is around fifteen million euros, of which Ajax would only assume a fraction.

Goodijk notes a long‑standing history of conflict between Barcelona and ter Stegen, dating back to the COVID‑19 pandemic when the keeper temporarily reduced his wage. The settlement of that partial payment placed both sides at odds, and now principles dominate the negotiations.

Ajax finds itself the victim of these principles, and while the process may be lengthy, Goodijk still expects ter Stegen to eventually arrive in Amsterdam. He adds that the exact timing remains unclear, and the Eredivisie club’s patience has limits, prompting them to explore other options in the background.

For now the signal for ter Stegen remains red, but Ajax does not believe the obstacle will permanently derail the transfer. The club is also working to recruit at least one new midfielder, having recently said goodbye to several, including Kian Fitz‑Jim this week.