Ter Stegen, 34, has no future at the Camp Nou. Barcelona's new number one is Joan García, signed this summer from Espanyol, with Wojciech Szczęsny retained as back-up.
The German has been asked to find a new club and Ajax represent a serious option, particularly given the connection with new Ajax coach Míchel — the Spaniard worked briefly with ter Stegen during the goalkeeper's loan at Girona in the second half of last season.
The Girona spell was disrupted. Ter Stegen made only two appearances before suffering another injury setback, the latest in a run of physical problems that has effectively cost him two seasons. He had his first major knee operation in the summer of 2024, then returned in December only to break down again after the Girona move. He is currently on holiday and fit again.
Ajax are understood to have explored other options before deciding ter Stegen is their priority. The Dutch club need a replacement for Vitézslav Jaroš, who spent last season on loan from Liverpool and will return to Anfield this summer.
A loan is the most likely structure. Ter Stegen is contracted to Barcelona until 2028 and his salary — one of the higher figures in the squad — represents the main obstacle. Ajax are confident it is manageable.
Míchel's arrival at Ajax and his existing relationship with the goalkeeper could prove significant. When the German linked up with Girona, Míchel greeted him warmly: "You are a leader — you are going to give us a lot."
That bond may be enough to make the move work where the numbers alone might not.
Ter Stegen won four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies and the Champions League with Barcelona and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. A successful season in Amsterdam would allow him to rebuild his match sharpness and reassert his case for a long-term future somewhere.