Marc-Andre ter Stegen misses Barcelona training as Ajax loan move nears completion | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s loan move to Ajax is edging closer to completion, although the final agreement has yet to be officially signed.

Barcelona and Ajax are continuing to resolve the last fiscal and administrative details before exchanging the necessary documentation, but there is growing confidence that the transfer will be completed without any major obstacles.

Granted Permission to Miss Training

In fact, according to SPORT, Ter Stegen did not attend Barcelona’s morning training session at the Ciutat Esportiva after receiving permission from the club to finalise preparations for his expected move to Amsterdam.

His absence is widely viewed as a strong indication that the deal is entering its final stages.

While lawyers from both clubs continue working through the remaining paperwork, sources close to the negotiations believe the outstanding issues are relatively minor and should be resolved shortly.

On his way to Ajax. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Unless an unexpected complication arises, the German goalkeeper is expected to travel to the Netherlands in the coming days to complete the move.

Looking for a fresh start

The loan move offers Ter Stegen the opportunity to leave behind a frustrating campaign.

Last season’s loan spell at Girona failed to develop as planned after a serious injury interrupted his progress just as he was beginning to establish himself in the team.

The setback kept him sidelined for several months, cost him a place in Germany’s World Cup squad and forced him to return to Barcelona to complete his rehabilitation.

Now fully recovered, the goalkeeper is hoping to rebuild his career through regular first-team football.

Michel played a key role

One of the driving forces behind Ajax’s pursuit has been their new head coach Michel.

Not in training today. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Spanish manager previously worked with Ter Stegen during their time together at Girona and remained convinced of the goalkeeper’s quality despite his injury. His confidence in the German never faded.

After joining Ajax, Míchel encouraged sporting director Jordi Cruyff to pursue the deal, believing Ter Stegen can become a decisive figure once he regains match fitness and consistency.

Provided the remaining legal and financial formalities are completed as expected, Ter Stegen will soon travel to Amsterdam for his medical examination before signing the documents that will formalise the loan agreement.

The move is expected to strengthen Ajax while giving Ter Stegen the regular playing time he has been searching for after an injury-disrupted season. All indications suggest the agreement is now only a matter of time.