Ajax have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on a season-long loan.
The German international spent the first half of last season sidelined with an injury before moving on loan to Girona in January; however, another injury cut his campaign short.
Ter Stegen is fully aware that he no longer has a place at Barcelona, where manager Hansi Flick prefers to rely on Joan Garcia as the starting goalkeeper, with Wojciech Szczesny serving as his backup. Following talks between the 33-year-old, Ajax’s new head coach Michel, and sporting director Jordi Cruyff, the goalkeeper decided to embark on his first-ever spell in Dutch football.
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Ajax and Barcelona were straightforward, and both parties quickly reached a preliminary agreement. Ajax will cover the majority of Ter Stegen’s hefty salary, which amounts to €15 million annually, while Barcelona will continue to pay a smaller portion.
Parting ways with Ter Stegen represents a significant financial boost for Barcelona. Saving a massive chunk of his wages was a key objective for Joan Laporta’s board to comply with La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule, which will greatly facilitate the registration of new signings this summer.
Ter Stegen is not expected to be the only departure from Barça this summer. Rumors are intensifying regarding Marc Casado’s potential exit from the Blaugrana, alongside Ferran Torres, who could leave if the club manages to sign a new forward.
