Ter Stegen leaves Barcelona training camp ahead of season-long Ajax loan move

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has left Barcelona’s pre-season camp in England to complete a loan move to Ajax until the end of the season, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

The Germany goalkeeper has travelled to Amsterdam after saying goodbye to his Barcelona team-mates and coaching staff, where he is expected to finalise the remaining details of the temporary transfer.

Sport reports that Barcelona and Ajax reached an agreement several weeks ago, but the deal was put on hold due to a dispute over the tax burden in the Netherlands. That issue has now been resolved, clearing the way for the move to go through.

Ajax move driven by coach Michel

Ter Stegen, 34, will join the Dutch side at the request of head coach Michel, the former Girona manager, who is said to have played a decisive role in persuading Ajax to secure the goalkeeper’s services.

The Barcelona keeper is seeking to regain his best form after a difficult spell disrupted by a series of injuries that kept him sidelined for extended periods.

European involvement still possible

Ajax expect ter Stegen to be eligible for the upcoming stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. The registration deadline for players falls on Friday, the day after Ajax’s home match against Vojvodina in the second qualifying round.

Ajax hold a 4-1 advantage from the first leg and, should they progress, ter Stegen would be available for selection in the subsequent qualifying rounds if his registration is completed in time.

The loan will run until the end of the current season, with no further details in Sport’s report on whether any purchase option is included in the agreement.