Marc-Andre ter Stegen nears Ajax loan
Barcelona have agreed to pay the majority of Marc-Andre ter Stegen's wages as he nears a loan move to Ajax to secure regular playing time.
Barcelona are on the brink of sending goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan to Ajax. The Catalan club has reportedly agreed to cover the majority of the 34-year-old’s wages, a move designed to alleviate their ongoing financial pressures.
For Ter Stegen, the deal offers a chance to reset following a turbulent period under Hansi Flick. Once the undisputed captain and first-choice goalkeeper, he has slipped behind Joan Garcia in the pecking order, with the arrival of Wojciech Szczesny further complicating his path to the starting XI.
The veteran has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, including a patella tendon rupture and subsequent back surgery. A brief loan spell at Girona last January was cut short by a hamstring injury, which ultimately saw him miss the rest of the campaign and lose his place in the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Tensions at Camp Nou also played a role in his departure. A brief disagreement in August 2025 regarding the registration of a replacement player led to him being temporarily removed as captain. While the issue was resolved quickly, it remained a point of debate for fans and pundits alike.
Ter Stegen is expected to fly to Amsterdam in the coming days to finalize the switch. The loan provides the goalkeeper with a vital opportunity to regain fitness and confidence, while allowing Barcelona to reduce their wage bill as they look ahead to the 2026-27 season.