FC Barcelona plans ter Stegen loan to cut wages amid financial limits

FC Barcelona is negotiating a season‑long loan of goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen to Ajax Amsterdam. The German keeper, under contract until June 2028 and earning a back‑loaded salary, has fallen out of coach Hansi Flick’s plans after a hamstring injury. Ajax has agreed personal terms but can only cover about 15% of his wages, leaving Barcelona to shoulder the balance and seek performance‑based offsets tied to appearances, trophies and Champions League qualification.

The loan is part of Barcelona’s broader effort to reduce its wage bill and comply with La Liga’s financial‑fair‑play regulations. The club has been selling assets, cutting high‑cost salaries and relying on its Espai Barça stadium renovation to boost long‑term revenue, while emphasizing the promotion of academy players under the new coaching regime.