Ajax manager welcomes Ter Stegen ahead of loan transfer: ‘With him we’ll be a better team” | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s loan move to Ajax is now only awaiting official confirmation.

The German goalkeeper, who left FC Barcelona’s training camp at St. George’s Park on Friday, is set to join the Dutch side on a season-long loan, with Ajax covering 15% of his salary.

The move will reunite Ter Stegen with head coach Michel Sanchez, who worked with the goalkeeper briefly at Girona in the second half of the last season.

Having taken over as Ajax head coach this summer, Michel has now already spoken publicly about the goalkeeper’s expected arrival.

“With them in the team (Ter Stegen and Julian Brandt), Ajax will be a better team,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.

As per the report, Ter Stegen completed his medical examination in Amsterdam on Saturday. Although neither Ajax nor Barcelona has formally announced the deal, Michel made it clear that everything is effectively in place.

Announcement imminent. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“They are two great players who will improve our team. Of course, they still have to train with us, but I’m happy.”

Second consecutive loan move

The German international remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028, but will spend another season away from the club.

Under the agreement, Ajax will pay 15% of his wages, leaving Barcelona responsible for the remaining salary, estimated at around €17 million per year.

While it does not bring a major relief for Barça in terms of salary space, the Catalans will still welcome his departure.

Reuniting with Michel. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This is Ter Stegen’s second consecutive loan spell, following his temporary move to Girona in January.

His time at Montilivi was largely disrupted by a left hamstring injury, limiting him to just two appearances, but he still impressed Michel enough to become one of the coach’s priority signings after taking charge at Ajax.

Michel has expressed his confidence in the German goalkeeper, who will hope to remain injury-free and help Ajax climb back to the top of Dutch football.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will watching him closely, hoping that he enjoys a strong campaign which could bring in suitors for his permanent transfer next summer.