Ter Stegen joins Ajax on loan from Barcelona for one season

German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set to embark on his second consecutive loan spell, joining Ajax FC for one season until June 30, 2027, FC Barcelona announced Tuesday. The 34-year-old international had been in negotiations with the Dutch club for weeks, but the deal was held up by disagreements over the player's tax obligations in his new destination.

Ter Stegen bid farewell to his teammates and Hansi Flick's coaching staff last Friday before leaving Barcelona's training camp in England and flying to Amsterdam. This move marks his second loan under the same coach, Míchel Sánchez, who previously brought him to Girona in the winter transfer market. However, Ter Stegen managed only two appearances for the Catalan team, which was relegated from La Liga in the 2025-2026 season, due to an injury that also sidelined him for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His performance in recent seasons has been hampered by recurring physical issues.

Despite his injury struggles, Ter Stegen boasts an impressive career record with 21 titles and 423 appearances for Barcelona. He stands as the second foreign player with the most matches for Barça, trailing only Leo Messi.