Ajax sign Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen on loan

Marc‑André ter Stegen, the 34‑year‑old German international, has joined Ajax as the club’s new first‑choice goalkeeper on a season‑long loan from FC Barcelona, technical director Jordi Cruijff confirmed. The move, reported by Diario AS, sees the former La Liga champion take charge of the Amsterdam defence.

Ter Stegen earned 44 caps for Germany and has been with Barcelona since 2014, where he developed into one of the world’s top keepers. During his time in Catalonia he collected six La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy.

In recent seasons injuries have limited his appearances. After a back problem sidelined him for the first half of the last campaign, he moved on loan to Girona in January, reuniting with Ajax coach Míchel, but a hamstring strain after two matches kept him out for the remainder of the season. Barcelona had recruited Spanish keeper Joan García as the new first‑choice goalkeeper last summer.

Ajax and Cruijff proceeded with the deal despite the goalkeeper’s injury history, valuing his abilities when fit. Reports indicate Ter Stegen draws a €15 million salary at Barcelona, a figure that was reconciled to enable the loan.

According to the Spanish daily AS, Míchel’s involvement was pivotal in finalising the agreement, with both parties expressing confidence in their recent collaboration. The German keeper still holds a contract with Barcelona that runs until mid‑2028 at Camp Nou.

The loan will see Ter Stegen serve as Ajax’s primary goalkeeper for the upcoming season. His experience is expected to lead the Amsterdam defence.

Ajax had previously been linked with Swiss international Yann Sommer, 37, who became a free agent after leaving Internazionale, where he won the Serie A title last season. Belgian media report that Sommer is now in talks with Club Brugge.

Last season’s first‑choice keeper for Ajax was Czech Vitezslav Jaros, on loan from Liverpool, but he departed in February due to injury. The club’s winter signing Maarten Paes stepped in and will continue as the second‑choice goalkeeper next season.