Ajax manager Michel addresses Ter Stegen situation: ‘Everyone knows what is happening’

Ajax manager Michel addresses Ter Stegen situation: ‘Everyone knows what is happening’

class="wp-block-paragraph">AFC Ajax remain hopeful of completing the loan signing of Marc-Andre ter Stegen but are still waiting for FC Barcelona and the goalkeeper to resolve the remaining financial issues delaying the move.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The Dutch club reached an agreement in principle some time ago and are fully aware of the ongoing negotiations between Barcelona and the 34-year-old.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">While they remain optimistic that a solution will be found, they cannot be certain that the outstanding differences will be resolved.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Ajax have no influence over the current negotiations and can only monitor developments as they unfold. The club also has no indication of how long the process may take.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite the situation and the continued delays, Ajax remain confident that an agreement will be reached soon, particularly as the proposed deal is financially favourable, with Barcelona expected to cover around 90 per cent of Ter Stegen’s wages.

Ter Stegen’s Ajax move continues to face hurdles. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

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class="wp-block-paragraph">However, they have also made it clear that if negotiations drag on much longer, they will be forced to explore alternative options.

Michel addresses Ter Stegen situation

class="wp-block-paragraph">Ajax head coach Michel, who previously worked with Ter Stegen at Girona before the goalkeeper’s injury restricted him to just two appearances, also commented on the situation following his side’s friendly victory over Burnley.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The Spaniard revealed that he remains in daily contact with Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff regarding the club’s transfer plans.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“He speaks to me every day about the options available and about what is happening. We want to bring in players who can help Ajax grow as a team,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“We want to make the right decisions, but processes in football are never simple. You have to go step by step.”

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

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Asked specifically about Ter Stegen, Michel added: “Everyone knows what is happening. Hopefully he can help us and soon we will be able to talk about him.”

Ter Stegen focused on fitness

class="wp-block-paragraph">While negotiations continue, Ter Stegen remains fully focused on completing his recovery and regaining full match fitness.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The German goalkeeper featured in Barcelona’s behind-closed-doors 4-1 victory over Europa at the Ciutat Esportiva, continuing his preparations despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Ajax are now waiting to discover whether Ter Stegen will travel with Barcelona to England for the club’s week-long pre-season training camp at St George’s Park.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The squad is due to depart shortly, with their return scheduled for 3 August. Whether the goalkeeper joins the trip or heads to Amsterdam instead will largely depend on how quickly the remaining issues between Barcelona and the player can be resolved.