Marc-Andre ter Stegen's pending loan to Ajax and potential Barcelona farewell

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s loan from FC Barcelona to Ajax Amsterdam is in its final stages. After a tax‑related dispute between the clubs was resolved, Barcelona is expected to complete the deal within days, allowing the 34‑year‑old goalkeeper to join Ajax for the 2026‑27 season. Ajax will shoulder roughly 10 % of his salary while Barcelona covers the remainder, and the agreement must be signed before 31 July for ter Stegen to be registered for Ajax’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

Ter Stegen featured in Barcelona’s pre‑season friendly against CE Europa, coming on at halftime and keeping a clean sheet. The match, played behind closed doors, may have been his last appearance in a Barcelona shirt, as he is not expected to travel with the squad to the English training camp at St George’s Park. His departure would also free up a significant portion of the club’s wage bill.

Both clubs have confirmed that the loan will last one season, after which ter Stegen’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2028. The move reunites him with Ajax coach Michel, who previously worked with the keeper at Girona.