FC Barcelona were in a catch-22 situation mid-season when Marc-Andre Ter Stegen got injured. It left Inaki Pena as the only first-team goalkeeper at Hansi Flick’s disposal and the German coach wanted another option.
Barcelona turned to then-recently retired Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny to fill the void. The 35-year-old joined the Catalan club to provide cover in the goalkeeping position and spent his time on the bench until early January.
It was in the Spanish Super Cup that Hansi Flick gave the ex-Juventus shot-stopper his debut. Since then, he quickly made that position his own and remained the number one until Barcelona wrapped up the La Liga title against Espanyol.
Szczesny se queda
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 03: Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona looks on as he warms up prior to the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 03, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Tek stays. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
When Barcelona brought the Pole in, he signed a short-term contract until the end of the season but it has been evident for a while now that the club wanted him to sign an extension. Now, as per Goal Poland via SPORT, Szczesny has agreed to sign a two year extension.
The report mentions that the player took some time to consult with his family and reached a consensus to continue as Barcelona’s goalkeeper next season. One wonders how this affects the future of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen at the club.
Szczesny’s new contract at Barcelona may be valid for two years but the report mentions that there should be a provision that would allow him to retire in 2026 should he want to do so. The player on his part feels very comfortable at the club and has agreed to continue.
What does this mean for Ter Stegen?
SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 26: Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 26, 2024 in Seville, Spain.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s future looks uncertain at Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Barcelona have been linked with a new goalkeeper for a few days now, with players like Joan Garcia, Lucas Chevalier and Bart Verbruggen on the radar. Signs indicate that the club is looking towards the future, which might mean an exit for Ter Stegen.
Szczesny has done brilliantly since his move to Barcelona and his experience is invaluable. However, this adds yet another twist to the dynamics of the goalkeeping situation at Barcelona and the next few weeks should provide more clarity on the same.