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

By Rohan Gupta — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

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

According to reports, Ajax is awaiting Barcelona to resolve certain tax-related details. The Dutch club has indicated that they require an immediate resolution and are perplexed by the hold-up, as they believed all aspects of the deal had been agreed upon.

Ajax’s Warning and Barcelona’s Motivation

Ajax has reportedly warned that if the outstanding differences are not quickly addressed, there is a risk that the deal could collapse. This warning highlights the urgency felt by the Dutch club, which has already commenced its pre-season training. In contrast, Barcelona players are scheduled to return for pre-season on Monday.

Barcelona is keen to offload Ter Stegen’s salary from their wage bill, making the completion of this transfer a priority for the Catalan club. The move is seen as beneficial for Barcelona in managing their goalkeeping situation.

Ter Stegen’s future has been a topic of discussion for some time, with the German goalkeeper negotiating an exit from the Catalan club. Despite still being Barcelona’s first captain, he has reportedly seen his prominence diminish under Hansi Flick, partly due to the arrival of Joan Garcia and his own injury issues.

Anticipation within Ajax

Despite the current delays, there is a strong expectation within Ajax that Ter Stegen’s arrival is imminent. Aaron Bouwman, an Ajax defender, openly discussed the goalkeeper’s expected transfer during an interview with Dutch television. Bouwman stated that players could learn significantly from Ter Stegen’s extensive experience, having played for FC Barcelona for many years.

These comments, while not an official confirmation, suggest that the anticipation for Ter Stegen’s arrival is well-established within the Ajax dressing room. He is reportedly viewed not only as a new goalkeeper but also as a potential mentor for the club’s younger players.

The loan move is expected to provide Ter Stegen with a fresh start and a leading role in Michel’s new project at Ajax. After 11 seasons with Barcelona, this temporary departure could offer him regular football in a major European league. If he can maintain fitness and perform well, Barcelona may be in a better position to facilitate a permanent move for him next summer.

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

For Barcelona, this loan move is essentially a way to defer a more complex decision regarding Ter Stegen’s long-term future until next summer. As a high-earner with a long-term contract, the club must handle his situation carefully. His fitness has been a primary concern in recent seasons, and his performance at Ajax will likely influence future decisions.

The Dutch club is reportedly prepared to welcome him, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for Ter Stegen’s move to the Eredivisie club to be officially confirmed.

Source: barcablaugranes.com