Marc-Andre ter Stegen Moves to Ajax on Loan, Says Romano

**Marc-Andre ter Stegen** is heading to Ajax on loan, Fabrizio Romano announced on 29 Jun 2026, citing sources that the Dutch giants are close to sealing the deal. The move follows a season marred by injury and a loss of the Barcelona starting spot.

Ter Stegen’s 2025/26 campaign stalled after a back injury and a hamstring knock limited his appearances for Girona, where he had been on loan to regain first‑team minutes. Coach Michel, former Girona boss, and Ajax director Jordi Cruyff pushed for the German keeper, hoping his experience can lift the Eredivisie club back to the top.

A successful spell at Ajax could revive Ter Stegen’s chances of re‑joining Germany’s World Cup squad, a goal that slipped after he missed Julian Nagelsmann’s selections. Playing regularly in the Johan Cruyff Arena also offers exposure to a different tactical setup, which may broaden his skill set beyond Barcelona’s possession style.

Ajax cannot shoulder Ter Stegen’s reported €15 million (≈$17.1 million) salary alone. Barcelona is expected to cover a substantial portion, according to Romano’s tweet. The salary split is the main obstacle, but both clubs appear willing to negotiate to make the loan work.

Joan Garcia, the former Espanyol keeper, secured the Zamora Trophy and a La Liga title in his debut season, cementing his place as Barça’s first choice. With Garcia’s rise and Wojciech Szczęsny’s recent loan, Ter Stegen’s path back to the Camp Nou looks increasingly narrow.

Ajax hopes Ter Stegen’s presence will stabilize their defense and add leadership to a squad aiming to reclaim domestic dominance. His experience in European competitions could also boost their Champions League ambitions, a goal that has eluded them in recent years.

The loan, if finalized, will see Ter Stegen swap the Camp Nou for the Johan Cruyff Arena, a shift that could redefine his trajectory in European football.