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Barcelona captain one step away from securing exit from club – report
FC Barcelona are close to resolving one of the most complicated transfers of the summer, one that threatened to drag on for much longer.
According to AS, club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is close to finalising a one-year loan to Dutch club Ajax, with Michel playing a key role in the operation after briefly working with him at Girona.
For Barça, this is a major step towards clearing the overcrowding in goal. The club had too many senior and developing goalkeepers for Hansi Flick’s plans, and keeping everyone would have made little sporting or financial sense.
Ter Stegen’s exit would follow two other moves in the position. Inaki Pena has joined Panathinaikos in a transfer worth around €3 million, while Diego Kochen has gone on loan to Danish side Lyngby.
Barça finally find their hierarchy in goal
The new hierarchy now looks much clearer.
Joan Garcia is set to be the undisputed No. 1, Wojciech Szczesny will continue as back-up, and youngsters Ander Astralaga and Aron Yaakobishvili remain in reserve.
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On his way to Ajax. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
That is a cleaner structure for Flick. Goalkeeper uncertainty can quietly damage a squad, especially when the No. 1 position needs authority, rhythm and total confidence from the defence.
Ter Stegen’s situation had become delicate because of his salary, contract and role. He remains tied to Barcelona until 2028, so even a one-year Ajax loan does not fully close the chapter, but it does give the club breathing room.
For the player, Ajax could be a good solution too. He needs minutes, trust and a stable environment after a difficult period with injuries.
Working under Michel may help, especially because there is already a relationship between coach and goalkeeper.
A respectful but necessary separation
If the deal goes through, it would be a massive move for Barcelona from a financial perspective, considering he is a high earner.
He has played more than 400 games for the club and has been one of the defining goalkeepers of the modern era.
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Not in Flick’s plans. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Joan Garcia is now the project, Flick has made his choice, and Barça cannot carry a high-earning goalkeeper without a real sporting pathway.
The loan formula is not perfect, especially if Barcelona still cover part of his salary, but it may be the most realistic solution available. A permanent sale was always difficult given his contract and recent injury record.
This move would give Ajax leadership, Ter Stegen a fresh start and Barcelona a much-needed reset in goal.
It is a huge positive for Barça that they have sorted it out before pre-season begins, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
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