Loan watch: How Barcelona’s five loanees are faring away from the club this season

Loan watch: How Barcelona’s five loanees are faring away from the club this season FC Barcelona currently have five players out on loan, with their fortunes varying considerably during the opening stages of the season. Some have established themselves as regular starters at their new clubs and are making a strong case for a permanent move, while others are struggling for playing time or have been hit by injury. Marc-Andre ter Stegen After returning from his loan spell at Girona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen began pre-season under Hansi Flick before joining Ajax, where he reunited with Michel. The German goalkeeper has been an undisputed starter since moving to the Netherlands. He has started six of Ajax’s seven league matches, as well as their UEFA Europa League qualifying tie against Sion. However, his performances have not been entirely convincing. Ter Stegen struggled in last weekend’s match against Excelsior Rotterdam, conceding twice, and he also conceded three goals in Ajax’s defeat to PSV. Those five goals account for three of the 13 he has conceded so far. Ter Stegen is back in the Germany squad. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) There has nevertheless been positive news for the veteran. After missing the World Cup through injury, Ter Stegen has been recalled by Jurgen Klopp for Germany’s UEFA Nations League fixtures . Diego Kochen Another goalkeeper who left Barcelona on loan in the summer, Diego Kochen has also established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Danish side Lyngby. The American has started all nine league matches, conceding 16 goals, including four in the latest defeat to Silkeborg. Lyngby have won just once and currently sit third from bottom, but Kochen has impressed in his role and received a major boost with his first call-up to the United States senior national team . The goalkeeper could make his international debut during the current international break under Mauricio Pochettino. Ronald Araujo Araujo is thriving at Liverpool. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Ronald Araujo began pre-season at Barcelona determined to fight for his place after a difficult season, before ultimately deciding to join Liverpool on loan for the season. The Anfield club have an option to buy him for €55 million , and so far Araujo has established himself as an important player under Andoni Iraola. He has impressed in both central defence and at right-back and was even rated as the best right-back in the league before the international break. If he maintains that level throughout the season, Liverpool could decide to make the move permanent. Marc Casado Marc Casado has had a much more difficult start to his loan spell at Deportivo de A Coruna. The midfielder did not leave Barcelona until the final day of the transfer window and has made three appearances since then. However, his latest outing lasted just 34 minutes. He was injured after a collision with Marc Roca and had to leave the pitch in considerable pain. Scans confirmed that Casado fractured his collarbone needing him to undergo surgery. He is expected to be out for around two to three months . Marc Casado has suffered a broken collarbone. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Deportivo have an option to buy him for €30 million, but his immediate priority will be recovering from the injury and returning to action. Aron Yaakobishvili The situation is more difficult for Barcelona’s third loaned goalkeeper, Aron Yaakobishvili. After spending last season on loan at Andorra, the Hungarian moved to Almeria this summer. So far, however, he has not made an appearance and has remained the back-up to veteran goalkeeper Andres Fernandez. Almería have an option to buy 50% of Yaakobishvili’s rights.