New Delhi: Wojciech Szczesny is on the verge of joining FC Barcelona after his sudden return from retirement, per reports. The Polish goalkeeper, who retired just last month, has been linked with the La Liga giants for a few days, and now it seems an agreement has been reached between the two parties. Sources indicate that the deal is nearly complete, with a medical expected in the coming days.
The former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper will be stepping in to replace Barcelona’s first-choice keeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who recently suffered a severe knee injury. The injury, which has ruled Ter Stegen out for the rest of the season, has forced Barcelona to make an emergency transfer to ensure their goalkeeping department remains strong. Szczesny, known for his experience and consistency, seems to be their preferred choice to fill the gap.
Fabrizio Romano, a renowned transfer expert, has also confirmed that the transfer is in its final stages, using his iconic “Here we go” phrase. The 34-year-old is set to undergo a medical in Spain soon, with reports suggesting he could make his debut for Barcelona in a Champions League match against Young Boys. While the exact timing of the medicals remains uncertain, per reports from Meczyki.pl, it’s expected to take place later this week.
Why is FC Barcelona signing Wojciech Szczesny?
🚨🔵🔴 Wojciech Szczesny to Barcelona, here we go! Deal in place for Polish goalkeeper to join as free agent.
Szczesny will come out of retirement to sign for Barça and replace ter Stegen on one year contract.
↪️🇵🇱 Medical tests will take place in Spain in the next days. pic.twitter.com/FClO42e6Qg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2024
Barcelona’s decision to sign Szczesny comes down to their urgent need for a reliable, experienced goalkeeper. Ter Stegen’s injury has left the team without its long-term number one, and though Inaki Pena is a promising backup, his lack of experience in high-pressure games might not be sufficient for Barcelona’s ambitious season.
The club is not just playing to win La Liga but also chasing glory in the Champions League, which means a stable, top-tier goalkeeper is crucial. Szczesny fits this profile perfectly. He has extensive experience playing at the highest level with Juventus and Arsenal, and his performances in Serie A, where he helped Juventus finish third last season, make him a safe pair of hands.
Moreover, Barcelona can use 80% of Ter Stegen’s salary to cover Szczesny’s wages, which are reported to be around €3 million until the end of the season. This financial flexibility, allowed due to Ter Stegen’s injury, makes Szczesny an attractive option.
Although Claudio Bravo and Keylor Navas were also linked as potential replacements, per reports, Szczesny emerged as the favoured choice once he agreed to come out of retirement. The Polish international admitted that he respects Barcelona and understands the challenging situation they face after Ter Stegen’s injury.
Szczesny’s one-year contract with Barcelona will see him compete with Pena for the starting spot. He might not be available for Barcelona’s upcoming game against Osasuna, but he could be ready for their following fixtures. His arrival brings a sense of security in goal and reunites him with his fellow Polish compatriot, Robert Lewandowski, at the club.
It’s clear why Barcelona are pushing for this deal. Szczesny’s experience, skill, and availability in this emergency window make him the ideal candidate to guide the team through what promises to be a difficult period without their first-choice goalkeeper.
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