Overview
- Ajax and Barcelona reached an agreement in principle Friday for a 2026–27 loan that still requires a medical and completed paperwork before it is final.
- Reports vary on who pays his salary with some outlets saying Ajax will take most of the wages and others saying Ajax will pay only about 10% or link payments to appearances.
- Marc‑André ter Stegen cut short his holiday and signalled his willingness to move because he seeks regular first‑team football after falling down Hansi Flick’s goalkeeper pecking order.
- Ajax’s new coach Míchel, who worked with Ter Stegen at Girona, played a decisive sporting role in persuading the keeper to favour Amsterdam and would likely make him the starter.
- Ter Stegen remains under contract at Barcelona until 2028 and his recent hamstring surgery has prompted Ajax to demand medical clearance and clauses that protect the club if injuries limit his playing time.