Ajax is closing in on a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, a transfer driven almost entirely by new head coach Michel Sánchez and his personal history with the 34-year-old German international.

Ter Stegen currently earns approximately €15 million per year at Barcelona. Ajax’s maximum offer sits significantly below that number, and that gap is the single biggest obstacle standing between ter Stegen and a move to Amsterdam.

The Sánchez connection and Barcelona’s financial calculus

The driving force behind this pursuit is Michel Sánchez, who managed ter Stegen during the keeper’s loan spell at Girona in the 2025/26 season. That working relationship clearly left an impression, because Sánchez has made signing ter Stegen a priority for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

Ajax views the goalkeeper position as a crucial area to strengthen. From Barcelona’s perspective, the club is open to facilitating ter Stegen’s departure, including the possibility of a free transfer. Barcelona has been navigating salary cap constraints for years, and moving a €15 million annual salary off the books, even without a transfer fee, would provide meaningful relief.

Ter Stegen still has two years remaining on his Barcelona contract, until June 2028. His role has diminished under manager Hansi Flick.

Injury concerns and ter Stegen’s reluctance

Even if Ajax could somehow bridge the salary gap, two other problems remain.

First, ter Stegen’s injury history. Injuries have affected his consistency in recent seasons, contributing to his reduced role at Barcelona and ultimately leading to his loan move to Girona. Ajax is reportedly exercising caution on that front.

Second, ter Stegen himself has shown reluctance toward the transfer. Moving from Barcelona to Ajax represents a significant step down in terms of competitive level, and the player has not yet been convinced that Amsterdam is where he wants to be.

What this means for Ajax and the transfer market

If Barcelona is truly willing to release ter Stegen on a free transfer, that removes the transfer fee as a barrier. But the annual salary still needs to land somewhere both parties can stomach, and right now that compromise doesn’t appear close.