Ajax ready to look at other options if deal to sign Barcelona goalkeeper delays further

Ajax ready to look at other options if deal to sign Barcelona goalkeeper delays further

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s proposed switch to Ajax has been one of the most drawn-out sagas of Barcelona’s summer, as the move has seen multiple roadblocks .

Just when it appeared the deal was nearing completion, fresh disagreements over the goalkeeper’s salary and various tax issues have threatened to derail it entirely.

And now, Ajax appear to be growing slightly impatient with how long the situation is taking to resolve.

Ajax issue a warning

Hansi Flick does not count on Ter Stegen (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo , Ajax remain positive that the differences between Barcelona and ter Stegen will eventually be ironed out, but they have warned that their patience is not unlimited.

The Dutch club, who have already reached a preliminary agreement for the goalkeeper, are aware of the financial complications and the slow progress being made.

While they are hopeful of an immediate breakthrough, they cannot yet be certain the matter will be settled.

Sources close to the club stress that it is not on Ajax to break the deadlock, and that they will simply continue monitoring the situation.

However, should it drag on much longer, they will be forced to explore alternative options for their goalkeeping position.

The appeal of the deal for Ajax is obvious, with Barcelona set to cover 90 percent of ter Stegen’s salary. New coach Michel, who worked with the German during his brief loan spell at Girona, is also said to be hopeful of a swift resolution.

Ter Stegen focused on fitness

Will Ter Stegen join Ajax this summer? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In the meantime, ter Stegen himself remains focused on completing his recovery from injury and returning to full sharpness.

The goalkeeper, who is under contract until 2028, even featured in Barcelona’s closed-door friendly against Europa, which the Catalans won 4-1 at the Ciutat Esportiva.

His immediate future, though, remains slightly uncertain. It is yet to be determined whether he will board the plane for Barcelona’s week-long training camp in England, where the squad will train at the English Football Association’s facilities before returning on August 3rd.

For now, all parties await clarity. Barcelona are keen to offload the goalkeeper and ease their wage burden, ter Stegen is eager for regular football, and Ajax want their man.

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