Ter Stegen joins Ajax training but misses next European tie

Marc ter Stegen (34 years old) has begun training with Ajax following the official announcement of his season-long loan, according to Mundo Deportivo. The German keeper has been warmly received by the squad and is working under manager Míchel, but faces a setback: he cannot play in the next Conference League qualifying round.

The issue is administrative. UEFA's deadline for registering new players in European competitions passed on July 31st, and Ajax failed to include Ter Stegen in time for this phase. The Dutch side face Shelbourne in the third qualifying round (August 6th at home, August 13th away).

There is, however, a second registration window open until August 14th. Should Ajax progress past Shelbourne, the goalkeeper will be eligible for the fourth qualifying round. In the Eredivisie, there are no obstacles: he is expected to make his debut in the opening match on August 9th against PEC Zwolle.