Marc-André ter Stegen is finally set to complete his long-awaited move to Ajax, with the German goalkeeper scheduled to travel to Amsterdam this afternoon after Barcelona, Ajax and the player resolved the final obstacles that had delayed the operation for several weeks.
According to 📰 Mundo Deportivo, Ter Stegen will leave Barcelona's training camp at St. George's Park in England before flying to the Netherlands, where he will undergo his medical examinations and complete the final paperwork before officially joining Ajax on a season-long loan.
An Agreement That Was Reached Weeks Ago
Although the move may appear sudden, the agreement between Barcelona and Ajax has actually been in place for quite some time.
The Dutch club identified Ter Stegen as its priority goalkeeper early in the summer, with new head coach Míchel pushing strongly for a reunion after previously working with the German during his loan spell at Girona. Barcelona also viewed the move positively, as it would allow the goalkeeper to play regularly while remaining under contract with the club until 2028.
Why Was the Deal Delayed?
The biggest obstacle was never the agreement between the clubs.
Instead, the transfer became stuck because of tax-related complications linked to the move from Spain to the Netherlands. The different tax systems meant Ter Stegen would have faced an additional financial burden, and negotiations centred on how those extra costs would be covered.
Ajax were unwilling to assume the additional tax expense, while Ter Stegen believed he should not be left to cover the difference himself. After days of discussions, Barcelona found a financial solution that satisfied all parties, allowing the operation to move forward.
Barcelona Continue to Support the Deal
The agreement also reflects Barcelona's commitment to helping the goalkeeper regain regular playing time.
As part of the loan, the Blaugrana will continue to pay around 90% of Ter Stegen's salary, making the deal financially viable for Ajax while ensuring the German international can compete consistently throughout the season. There is no purchase option, meaning he remains a Barcelona player and is expected to return once the loan expires.
Another Opportunity After an Unfortunate Year
This will be Ter Stegen's second consecutive loan spell.
Last season, he joined Girona in search of regular minutes ahead of the World Cup, but his time there was cut short after suffering a hamstring injury in just his second appearance. The setback ultimately cost him a place in Germany's World Cup squad.
Now fully recovered, the 34-year-old has another opportunity to rebuild his rhythm and confidence, this time in Amsterdam under a coach who knows him well and believes he can once again perform at the highest level.
Medical Next, Then Official Announcement
With the tax issues finally resolved, Ter Stegen's journey to Amsterdam represents the final stage of an operation that has been weeks in the making.
If everything goes according to plan, the German goalkeeper will complete his medical tests, sign the necessary documents and be officially unveiled as an Ajax player on loan in the coming hours.
Sources: 📰 Mundo Deportivo
📰 AS
📰 Cadena SER