What happened: Ajax have reached an agreement in principle to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan from Barcelona for the rest of the season, with talks in their final stages. The deal would
Why it matters: The move solves a sporting problem more than a financial one. Ter Stegen lost his place after Barcelona signed Wojciech Szczesny and then Joan Garcia, who has become the clear number one, and the loan gives the club captain minutes while removing an awkward dressing-room situation. But the wage split leaves Barcelona carrying most of one of the squad's biggest salaries, undercutting the hope that his exit would clean up the wage bill.
By the numbers: Reported wage split: Ajax to The 34-year-old would reunite with coach Michel, who briefly worked with him at Girona, while Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff has been a key figure in the negotiations.
What to watch: Watch for official confirmation of the loan and the final wage-split terms, which will determine how much cap relief Barcelona actually books. Ter Stegen's form in Amsterdam will shape whether a permanent resolution follows next summer.