Experienced German shot‑stopper signs for Ajax ahead of new campaign

AFC Ajax announced on August 4 that they have secured the services of seasoned German goalkeeper Marc‑André Ter Stegen on loan from FC Barcelona. The 34‑year‑old will be available for the entire 2024‑25 season after a short loan period with Girona in the latter half of the previous campaign.

Ter Stegen's career started at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he racked up 127 appearances before joining Barcelona in 2014. He helped the Catalan giants win the Champions League in 2015 and added 20 more trophies, playing 423 official matches – the highest tally for any foreign player after Lionel Messi.

International duties have seen him earn 44 caps for Germany. Ajax's director Jordan Cruijff expressed his delight, stating that Ter Stegen's track record is exemplary and that the club has long been eager to bring him back to Amsterdam.

Ajax are looking to reverse a season of inconsistency that saw them finish fifth in the Eredivisie. Preparations are under way for the UEFA Conference League qualifying round, with the first home leg against Shelbourne scheduled for Friday.