Marc-Andre ter Stegen transfer to Ajax in jeopardy over tax delays

Marc-Andre ter Stegen's expected loan move to Ajax is in danger of collapsing due to unresolved tax matters at Barcelona. The 34-year-old goalkeeper's transfer, which seemed straightforward, now faces uncertainty as Ajax grows impatient with the delays.

What happened?

Ajax officials believed the deal was already settled but are now frustrated by the prolonged paperwork process. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's tax issues remain the main obstacle. The Dutch club has privately signaled they may scrap the agreement unless the problems are resolved quickly.

Ter Stegen is still scheduled to undergo a medical at Ajax's training complex alongside returning players for pre-season. This suggests both parties still expect the move to go through, despite the growing frustration.

Why it matters for Marc-Andre ter Stegen

The move is crucial for Ter Stegen, who has slipped down Barcelona's goalkeeping pecking order behind Joan Garcia. The German shot-stopper needs regular playing time after a spell plagued by injuries. Ajax, managed by Michel who previously wanted Ter Stegen at Girona, offers him that opportunity.

For Barcelona, offloading Ter Stegen's sizeable wages is a key part of their summer plans. The Catalans would still pay a portion of his salary, but the transfer would ease their squad and financial pressures.

What comes next?

Barcelona must now act swiftly to resolve the tax and regulatory issues. With Ajax's patience wearing thin, the Catalans face a race against time to finalize the deal. The hope is that the paperwork can be sorted out before the start of pre-season, allowing Ter Stegen to join his new teammates without further delay.