Dutch club Ajax remains confident in securing a transfer for FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen despite unresolved financial disputes between the player and his current club, according to reporting by De Telegraaf, SoccerNews, and VoetbalPrimeur.
Ajax plans to start the upcoming Eredivisie season with Maarten Paes in goal before Ter Stegen potentially takes over the primary role later in the summer.
"Paes had to be there without being able to get used to the Ajax style. He was very weak on the ball.
But you saw him grow during the season and in the playoffs he was actually the big man," said Mike Verweij, football reporter for De Telegraaf.
"Ajax also has confidence that it can get through the first few weeks well with Paes. After that, Ter Stegen must take over the baton," Verweij added.
Financial Hurdles
Negotiations for Ter Stegen hit a delay over tax adjustments on deferred pandemic-era wages, which increased his total compensation from 20 million euros to 30 million euros for the 2026–2027 season.
The goalkeeper seeks full payment of the back wages, while tax differences between Spain and the Netherlands created a 4.5 percent gap amounting to a significant financial dispute.
"The situation is still as it was.
Ajax agrees with Ter Stegen and FC Barcelona, only in the settlement between Ter Stegen and FC Barcelona it is still not going well.
Nobody wants to comment on it either.
But the fact that Ajax is not yet working on another goalkeeper indicates to me that Ajax still has hope that Ter Stegen will come," said Verweij.
Despite the ongoing negotiation, FC Barcelona included Ter Stegen in their squad for a training camp in England on July 27, 2026, where the team is scheduled to play a friendly match against Birmingham City alongside midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who was included despite a previous injury.
Ter Stegen subsequently posted photos on social media showing his participation in the English training sessions alongside teammate Raphinha.
Tactical Insights Under Michel
Meanwhile, Ajax reporter Verweij analyzed the club's current tactical setup under manager Michel following a 2-1 friendly victory against Burnley.
"In the second half, you could see Michel's idea very well. That is the way Ajax is supposed to play football: fun, attacking football with young, self-trained players.
The idea behind Michel's game is already being embraced now, and that is nice to see," said Verweij.
Verweij noted that young player Abdellah Ouazane stood out during the match, though physical demands from late training sessions prevented him from playing the full 90 minutes.
"For this style of play, a lot is required of the players, so it is not that strange that a boy of just seventeen still has trouble completing the ninety minutes.
At one point I got someone on the line at Ajax, it was 6:30 PM in the evening, and then Ajax was still training," said Verweij.
The reporter also addressed comparisons between Michel and former manager Francesco Farioli.
"At Ziggo, a comparison was made with Farioli's game, but I don't think that is comparable. Under Farioli it was slightly more conservative than under Michel.
I think Michel looks more like Peter Bosz. He is much more offensive and reckless, although Ajax does not give away very much," said Verweij.
While their on-field tactics differ, Verweij highlighted similarities in training intensity between both managers.
"The working method of Farioli and Michel, polishing the game system for a very long time and very much, and making players gigantic fit, does correspond.
There are certainly parallels with Farioli, but not in the way of playing, I think," said Verweij.
Verweij praised veteran player Daley Blind for his strong performance following the second-half restart against Burnley.
"Daley Blind is, despite his age, mega fit and so confident on the ball.
In the beginning there was the question: will Blind, with Baas in the starting lineup, become a starter?
When you see him play like this, I think Daley Blind can last at least one season and maybe much longer.
I thought he made the big difference after the break," said Verweij.
Additionally, Ajax is reportedly close to finalizing a loan deal with an uncompounded purchase option for Premier League forward Tolu Arokodare.
"If he does very well, then you can buy a Premier League striker for eighteen million euros.
It remains a considerable price for a Dutch club, but that is not very expensive for a Premier League striker.
If he does not function this year, then you say after the season: thank you and goodbye," said Verweij.
Spanish media and fans remain divided over Ter Stegen's loan arrangement, with some criticizing his demand for full deferred payments while others maintain he is entitled to the terms of his contract.
