Can Barcelona’s Andre Ter Stegen prove a difference maker for Ajax? | OneFootball

It looks like Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be the number one for Ajax next season. The former German international and serial winner with Barcelona is set to join Ajax on loan until the end of the season. Barcelona will stay pay some of his wages, as Ajax could not afford to cover the full cost or pay a full transfer fee. Ajax have eyed up ter Stegen all summer, with head coach Michel said to be keen on reuniting with the Barcelona shot stopper who spent last season on loan at Girona. However, he was limited to just a handful of appearances due to injury.

If ter Stegen can stay injury free, he should prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Ajax. The German joined Barcelona back in 2014 and has gone on to win numerous trophies with the Catalan giants. At the age of 34, he clearly has more to give, and Ajax could benefit from this. But they need him to remain injury free in order to do so.

A healthy ter Stegen will be an upgrade on what Ajax had last season. Remko Pasveer, who left halfway through the season, was clearly at the end of his ability to contribute to Ajax’s success. Vitezslav Jaros had a decent season, but the 24-year-old will now have to watch on as ter Stegen takes his place. Ter Stegen offers leadership, experience and the ability to play with his feet, a profile that Ajax has been focusing on in goal for this season.

Ajax have wanted to use this transfer window to revamp the squad as they look to return to challenging for trophies in Dutch football. Signing ter Stegen on loan from Barcelona does signal an upgrade in the goalkeeping department and should, on paper at least, help them at the back.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson