Report – Why Ter Stegen and Frenkie de Jong have travelled to England with Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have travelled to St George’s Park today for a week-long pre-season training camp under Hansi Flick, with the squad set to remain in England until next Monday.

The travelling party, announced by the club on Monday morning, includes 17 players from Barça Atletic and the academy.

Among the squad are two of the club’s captains, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Frenkie de Jong, whose inclusion has attracted particular attention.

Ter Stegen’s presence is notable because his proposed loan move to Ajax is close to being completed. The goalkeeper is not part of Flick’s plans and, after recovering from the injury he suffered last season while on loan at Girona, has agreed to join the Dutch club.

Loan agreement still awaiting final approval

Ter Stegen began pre-season training with Barcelona two weeks ago. Shortly afterwards, Barcelona and Ajax reached an agreement over a loan deal under which the Catalan club will continue to pay around 90% of the goalkeeper’s salary.

Flying to England. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Although Ter Stegen accepted the move, the transfer has yet to be finalised because of unresolved tax-related matters.

Barcelona have submitted a proposal to their captain in an attempt to resolve those issues, but a final agreement has not yet been reached.

For that reason, the Catalans have decided that Ter Stegen will travel to England as a full member of the squad while he remains a Barça player, reports SPORT.

He featured in the recent friendly against Europa and could also play during the training camp in Birmingham if Flick decides to use him.

In addition, the German goalkeeper has also been helping fellow countryman Karim Adeyemi settle into life at the club following the winger’s summer arrival.

For now, Barcelona have not ruled out the possibility of the loan being completed during the week, which would see Ter Stegen leave the training camp before it concludes.

De Jong travels while recovering

Another surprise inclusion in the travelling squad is the injured De Jong.

Recovery will be closely monitored. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Dutch midfielder finished the FIFA World Cup carrying a knee injury. Two weeks ago, at the start of Barcelona’s pre-season preparations, he reported to the club for further medical examinations after continuing to experience discomfort.

Last Friday, following several tests, Barcelona confirmed that De Jong had suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, an injury expected to keep him out for several months.

The midfielder has opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery against club’s suggestion.

Barcelona’s medical staff have decided he should travel with the squad to England so that the club’s doctors can monitor his recovery and rehabilitation on a daily basis throughout the training camp.