FC Barcelona underwent a generational change in the goalkeeping position last year when they signed Joan Garcia from RCD Espanyol. With his performances in the 2025-26 season, the Spaniard has clearly proven the betting on him was the right decision for the Catalan club.
Meanwhile, his arrival has left the former starter in the Barcelona goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, in a very difficult position, who had to join the La Liga side Girona on loan to continue his fight for a place in Germany’s World Cup squad. However, he suffered another serious injury after playing a few games for Girona, and after undergoing surgery, has still not fully recovered.
Still, his loan move to Girona was still not entirely fruitless, as this allowed him to forge a very good relation with Michel, who left the La Liga club at the end of the last season, and has now signed for Ajax.
In fact, this relationship could end up determining the next destination for Ter Stegen, as [Michel wants the German goalkeeper in his new team](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-marc-andre-ter-stegen-exit/). According to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260612/1004194073/ajax-recaba-informacion-sobre-ter-stegen.html), the Eredivisie side has already started working on this demand, and are currently gathering information on his physical condition, which is understandable after the goalkeeper’s several injuries in the last few years.
In addition to Michel, Jordi Cruyff is another Ajax official with very good relations at Barcelona, which can significantly facilitate the move. For now, the Blaugranes are expecting Ter Stegen to be ready for the start of preseason training on 13th July.
With Joan Garcia expected to return to training a significant period of time after this date, it remains to be seen whether the German would get to enjoy some prominence in Hansi Flick plans, even though the coach has already made it clear that Wojciech Szczesny is going to be the number one deputy for Garcia in goal.