Ajax express impatience over Marc-Andre ter Stegen transfer from Barcelona

By Aditya Rao — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

The proposed transfer of Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona to Ajax has yet to be finalised, leading to reported frustration from the Eredivisie side. The goalkeeper was anticipated to travel to the Netherlands last week for a medical examination and to complete a loan agreement, but the transfer has not progressed as expected.

According to reports, Ajax is still awaiting Barcelona to resolve certain tax-related details and is growing impatient with the delay. The Dutch club reportedly seeks an immediate resolution and does not comprehend the hold-up, as they believed all aspects of the deal had been agreed upon.

Sources indicate that Ajax is surprised by the situation and has warned that if the discrepancies are not quickly resolved, there is a risk that the deal could fall through. Barcelona is keen to remove Ter Stegen’s salary from their wage bill and aims to finalise this transfer. Ajax has already commenced pre-season training, while Barcelona’s players are scheduled to return on Monday.

Ter Stegen’s future and Ajax’s anticipation

The future of Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been a topic of discussion for some time, with the German goalkeeper negotiating his departure from the Catalan club. Despite still being Barcelona’s first captain, Ter Stegen has seen his position diminish under Hansi Flick. This decline in prominence is attributed to the arrival of Joan Garcia and Ter Stegen’s own injury issues.

It appears the veteran player is nearing an exit from Barcelona, with Ajax players already discussing the German goalkeeper as if his arrival is imminent. Ajax is preparing for Ter Stegen’s arrival, and this sentiment was openly expressed by one of their highly-rated young players.

Aaron Bouwman, an Ajax defender, spoke about the goalkeeper’s expected arrival during an interview with Dutch television. He noted the significant learning opportunity Ter Stegen would provide, stating, "You can learn so much from him because he played for FC Barcelona for years. You can learn a lot from his experience when he comes to play here."

While these comments do not constitute an official confirmation, they highlight the advanced level of expectation within the Ajax dressing room. Ter Stegen is being viewed not only as a new goalkeeper but also as a potential mentor for the club’s young squad.

Potential benefits of the loan move

Ter Stegen is expected to join Ajax on a loan deal, where he would take on a significant role in Michel’s new project. This move would offer him a fresh start after 11 seasons at Barcelona and simultaneously assist Barça in managing a complex goalkeeping situation.

Although this would be a temporary departure, it is seen as a move that could greatly benefit the Catalan club. Ter Stegen would gain regular playing time in a major European league. If he can maintain his fitness and perform well, Barcelona might be in a better position to move him on permanently next summer.

Ajax appears to be a suitable destination for him, given their footballing philosophy, which emphasises playing from the back, technical quality, and responsibility in possession. These are all areas where Ter Stegen has established a strong reputation throughout his career.

For Barcelona, Ter Stegen’s move to Ajax is essentially a way to defer a more permanent decision until the following summer. As a high-earning player with a long-term contract, his future requires careful management from the Catalan club, with decisions often made on a year-by-year basis.

A primary challenge for the German goalkeeper in recent seasons has been his fitness. However, if he remains available, his quality is widely recognised. Much depends on his performance during his time at Ajax, but the Dutch club seems prepared to welcome him. It remains to be seen how long it will take for Ter Stegen’s transfer to the Eredivisie club to be officially announced.

Source: barcablaugranes.com