Marc-André ter Stegen set for loan move to Ajax from Barcelona
Marc-André ter Stegen is on the verge of joining Ajax on loan following a verbal agreement reached between Barcelona and the Amsterdam club.
The Catalan side plans to cover the majority of the goalkeeper’s wages in an effort to reduce their overall salary expenses, while the German shot-stopper aims to revive his career after a series of injuries and limited playing time at Barcelona, according to AD.
This move comes after a challenging period for the 34-year-old veteran under Hansi Flick’s management. Once the captain and first-choice keeper at Barcelona, ter Stegen has been displaced by Joan García, and the arrival of Wojciech Szczęsny has further diminished his chances of regular appearances.
Financial considerations have also played a role in the decision. Ter Stegen’s contract runs until 2028, and deferred payments from previous seasons are factored into Barcelona’s wage commitments.
It’s worth recalling that a ruptured patellar tendon sidelined Marc-André for seven months in 2025, followed by a back injury that required surgery after his return. Although he was loaned to Girona in January last year, a hamstring injury forced him to miss the remainder of that season. He was also left out of Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The loan to Ajax will offer ter Stegen the chance to regain fitness, rebuild confidence, and secure a regular starting position after a spell marred by injuries.