Ajax Welcomes ter Stegen and Brandt: "They Will Make Us Better"
Marc-André ter Stegen is set to join Ajax, with coach Michel expressing excitement about his arrival. The official announcement is expected soon.
Marc-André ter Stegen, the 34-year-old goalkeeper, is on the verge of starting a new chapter with Ajax in Amsterdam. His future coach is already expressing high hopes for his impact on the team.
On Friday, ter Stegen departed from FC Barcelona's training camp, and just a day later, he underwent a medical check in Amsterdam. The official announcement of his transfer is expected on Tuesday.
Coach Michel Discusses the Incoming Players
Ajax's coach, Michel, has openly confirmed the imminent arrival of his desired goalkeeper. "With them in the team (ter Stegen and Julian Brandt), Ajax will be a better team," the Spaniard stated. Although neither Ajax nor Barcelona has officially announced the deal yet, Michel's comments leave no room for doubt.
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"They are two fantastic players who will improve our team. Of course, they still need to train with us, but I am happy," Michel added. He and ter Stegen are familiar with each other from their time together at Girona during the previous season's second half.
Financial Aspects of the Transfer
The financial terms of the deal appear favorable for Ajax. Reports suggest that Ajax will only cover ten percent of ter Stegen's salary, with the majority being paid by Barcelona.
Ter Stegen is set to earn approximately 17 million euros per year, making Ajax's contribution a minor relief for the Catalan club. However, this arrangement provides Barcelona with the opportunity to offload the goalkeeper from their squad.
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This marks the second consecutive loan for the former German international. He had previously moved to Girona in January but played only two matches due to injury. Now, Michel, who initially brought him to Girona, is ready to make ter Stegen his first-choice goalkeeper in Amsterdam.
Barcelona is monitoring the situation from a distance, hoping that a successful season in the Eredivisie will attract a lucrative buyer next summer.
