Ajax has officially secured goalkeeper Barcelona star Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan, as confirmed by both clubs.
According to a source for ESPN, Ajax does not have the option to make this a permanent transfer next summer. Ter Stegen, who has a contract with FC Barcelona until 2028, seeks to keep his future options open.
Both clubs will share the cost of the German international’s wages, a detail negotiated by Ajax’s sporting director Johan Cruyff and his counterpart at Barcelona, Deco.
At 34, Ter Stegen is aiming to rejuvenate his career in the Netherlands after injuries plagued the last two seasons, resulting in a loss of his starting spot to Joan García.
Ajax head coach Míchel played a key role in persuading Ter Stegen to move to Amsterdam, having previously signed him on loan while he was coaching Girona in January.
Unfortunately, Ter Stegen sustained an injury in just his second match for Girona, preventing any further appearances before he returned to Barcelona to recover.
Sources close to the player assert that he is now fully fit and eager to make an impact at Ajax after the disappointment of missing the World Cup with Germany due to injury.
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Ajax sought a new goalkeeper following the return of Vítězslav Jaroš to Liverpool after a loan period.
Jaroš’s time at the club was cut short due to injury, leaving Maarten Paes as the Eredivisie side’s primary goalkeeper for the remainder of the season.
Ter Stegen made his way to Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 and has enjoyed a successful career at the club, boasting 20 trophies, including seven La Ligas and one Champions League title, over his 423 appearances in 12 seasons.
However, since Hansi Flick’s appointment in the summer of 2024, he has only made 10 appearances, largely due to difficulties with knee and back injuries.