Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement with Ajax over the season-long loan of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, with the Catalan club set to shoulder the vast majority of the German international’s salary during his stay in Amsterdam.
According to multiple reports, the deal will run until June 2027 and will not include either a purchase option or an obligation to buy, allowing Ter Stegen to return to Barcelona at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Negotiations between the two clubs were led by Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff and Barcelona sporting director Deco, with discussions centred on the veteran goalkeeper’s wages. Barcelona have agreed to cover most of the 34-year-old’s salary, while Ajax will contribute only a small portion under the agreement.
Ter Stegen is expected to travel to Amsterdam to complete his medical and finalise the paperwork before the move is officially announced.
Barcelona eager to reduce wage bill
The loan represents an important financial move for Barcelona, who have been looking to ease pressure on their wage bill.
Despite being under contract until 2028, Ter Stegen has fallen down the pecking order under head coach Hansi Flick. Summer signing Joan Garcia has established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Wojciech Szczęsny also remains ahead of the German in Barcelona’s plans.
The goalkeeper is also one of the club’s highest earners after agreeing to defer part of his wages in previous seasons to help Barcelona comply with La Liga’s financial regulations. Those deferred payments, combined with his current salary, have made his contract a significant financial commitment for the club.
The move to Ajax offers Ter Stegen the chance to revive his career after an injury-hit spell.
The German goalkeeper reportedly impressed Ajax manager Míchel during a previous loan spell at Girona, with the Dutch club’s coach keen to reunite with him ahead of the new season.
Ter Stegen endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign, missing several months through injury before suffering further fitness setbacks that ultimately cost him his place in Germany’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Only the medical examination and the completion of final paperwork remain before the transfer is confirmed.
Ajax are hoping to register Ter Stegen before the end of July, making him eligible for their UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign as well as the start of the Eredivisie season in early August.
Read more – Barcelona pre-season fixtures and 2026 summer schedule
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