Ajax secures Julian Brandt and Marc‑Andre ter Stegen as new signings while Barcelona's Hamza Abdelkarim shines in pre‑se FAST-MOVING
German international Julian Brandt, 30, left Borussia Dortmund after his contract expired and joined Ajax Amsterdam on a free transfer. He signed a three‑year deal that runs until 30 June 2029, with Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff praising his experience and mentality. Brandt made 307 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 57 goals and providing 70 assists.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, 34, is moving to Ajax on a season‑long loan. He will travel from Barcelona’s pre‑season camp in England to Amsterdam, undergo a medical examination and sign the loan. Barcelona will cover about 90 % of his wages, and recent tax‑related issues between Spain and the Netherlands have been resolved. The loan contains no purchase option.
In a pre‑season friendly at St Andrew’s Stadium, 18‑year‑old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, on loan at Barcelona from Al‑Ahly, scored both goals in a 2‑2 draw with Birmingham City. Barcelona later lost the match 3‑2 on penalties. His performance earned praise and a potential permanent contract until 2029.
Entities: AFC Ajax · Ajax Amsterdam · FC Barcelona · Fabrizio Romano · Hamza Abdelkarim · Jordi Cruyff · Julian Brandt · Marc-Andre ter Stegen · Marc‑Andre ter Stegen · Netherlands
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ter Stegen was Barcelona’s captain but fell out of favour under coach Hansi Flick. (multiple articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] FC Barcelona will cover about 90 % of ter Stegen’s wages during the loan, with Ajax paying the remainder. (multiple articles)
- [DISPUTED] Tax and fiscal issues between Spain and the Netherlands were resolved to allow the loan. (Ter Stegen articles)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Ter Stegen will travel to Amsterdam to undergo a medical examination and sign the loan contract. (Ter Stegen articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] He suffered serious hamstring and back injuries in the 2025‑26 season, limiting his appearances. (multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The loan agreement contains no purchase option or obligation for Ajax. (multiple articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal, and Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff was involved in negotiations. (multiple articles)
- [● 10 SOURCES] Marc‑Andre ter Stegen will join AFC Ajax on a season‑long loan from FC Barcelona for the 2026‑27 season. (Ter Stegen articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The loan contract runs until June 2027. (supporting_article_ids)
- [● 5 SOURCES] FC Barcelona will cover about 90 % of ter Stegen's wages during the loan. (Ter Stegen articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ter Stegen will undergo a medical examination in Amsterdam before signing the loan contract. (supporting_article_ids)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Marc‑Andre ter Stegen will travel from Barcelona's pre‑season camp in England to Amsterdam to finalise a season‑long loan to Ajax. (supporting_article_ids)