Marc-André ter Stegen’s departure from Barcelona marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Catalan club—one that stretches beyond the goalposts to the team’s leadership hierarchy.
The German goalkeeper left FC Barcelona’s pre-season training camp in England to finalize his transfer to Ajax. In response, Hansi Flick’s coaching staff has selected a new leader to wear the captain’s armband, recognizing his growing influence both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.
Ter Stegen Joins Ajax After Complex Salary and Tax Negotiations
Barcelona and Ajax reached an agreement for Ter Stegen to join the Dutch giants on a season-long loan following weeks of tense negotiations that nearly derailed the deal.
While a sporting agreement was in place early on, disputes over wage distribution and tax liabilities stemming from dual-country income between Spain and the Netherlands delayed the final sign-off. Ajax firmly refused to cover any additional double-taxation costs. Ultimately, all parties reached a financial compromise, allowing the 34-year-old goalkeeper to travel to Amsterdam for his medical exams.
As part of the terms, Barcelona will cover approximately 90% of Ter Stegen’s salary during the loan period, with Ajax paying the remaining 10%. The Dutch club’s financial contribution could increase based on appearance-related performance clauses. Given Ter Stegen’s gross annual salary of nearly €20 million, Barcelona will still pay roughly €18 million despite the player not featuring in their squad this season.
Ter Stegen remains under contract with Barça until the summer of 2028. However, his prospects of regaining the starting spot appeared slim, with manager Hansi Flick relying on Joan García as his first-choice goalkeeper and Wojciech Szczęsny as the primary backup.
Who Is Barcelona’s New Captain After Ter Stegen?
Eric García will step up as Barcelona’s new captain in the team’s first match following Ter Stegen’s exit. The decision capitalizes on his strong standing in the squad and the absence of several senior captains during pre-season.
The 25-year-old defender is no stranger to the armband, having previously captained Barcelona’s youth ranks before departing the La Masia academy for Manchester City in 2017. García made his senior debut at City under Pep Guardiola before returning to Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2021.
After an inconsistent start to his second spell at the Camp Nou, García revived his career through a highly successful loan stint at Girona during the 2023–2024 season. Upon his return, he established himself as one of Hansi Flick’s most trusted and influential players.
García’s tactical versatility—capable of playing as a center-back, right-back, and defensive midfielder—has made him Flick’s go-to problem solver during tactical dilemmas and key absences. Last season, Eric made 48 appearances totaling 3,738 minutes. His consistency and utility earned him a contract extension through the summer of 2031.
Wearing the captain’s armband highlights García’s remarkable transformation from a player on the verge of leaving to a fundamental pillar of Barcelona’s project.
