Ajax pursue Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, assess fitness

Ajax are preparing to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but will only proceed once his fitness is confirmed. The move follows a loan spell at Girona where ter Stegen was largely sidelined after surgery.

Michel, Ajax’s new manager, asked the club’s sporting directors to explore a reunion with ter Stegen. He cited the German international’s humility, leadership and professionalism observed during their time together at Girona. Jordi Cruyff, who works with Michel at Ajax, leverages his relationships inside Barcelona to facilitate the process.

Ajax’s primary concern is ter Stegen’s physical condition, not the transfer fee or wages. His recent injury record includes two back injuries, a patellar tendon problem and hamstring surgery on February 1st.

Barcelona expect ter Stegen to be cleared for preseason training on July 13. The club consider him surplus, with Joan Garcia established as the undisputed number one and Wojciech Szczesny as the recognised backup. Hansi Flick has confirmed Garcia remains his first choice, limiting any immediate role for ter Stegen.