The never-ending saga. Ter stegen travels with Barça even though everyone knows he’s leaving.

Just when it looked like the Marc-André ter Stegen story was finally reaching its conclusion, Barcelona managed to stretch it into yet another episode. The German goalkeeper was expected to complete his loan move to Ajax, yet instead he boarded the plane with the squad and headed to England for the pre-season camp. At Barça, even saying goodbye apparently requires several chapters.

According to Spanish reports, the deal remains stuck over financial and tax-related issues. Ajax are unwilling to cover the goalkeeper’s enormous salary, while Barcelona refuse to shoulder more of the burden. So everyone keeps waiting for someone else to blink first. The result? A club that has spent months making it clear the German is no longer part of its plans is still taking him around Europe.

The whole situation is becoming increasingly embarrassing. Ter Stegen has made more than 400 appearances for Barcelona, won six La Liga titles and lifted the Champions League, yet both sides now seem unable to end the partnership with even a hint of dignity. For a club that proudly calls itself “more than a club”, it is once again proving that handling people can be far more difficult than coming up with catchy slogans.