Barcelona have agreed on a deal to sign Wojciech Szczesny on a free transfer as a cover for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
According to Fabzirio Romano, Wojciech Szczesny has agreed to become Barcelona’s new goalkeeper following the need for an emergency signing in the position. The injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen called for the club to find a suitable replacement, as the former Arsenal star has come out of retirement to make his next move.
Barcelona had to make a big decision on their goalkeeping situation following the potentially season-ending injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The new German No.1 has been the leading man between the sticks for the Catalans, and his injury at the weekend does leave Hansi Flick with a lack of a clear No.1.
Barcelona briefly thought about promoting Inaki Pena as their new No.1, but in the context of the season, they needed someone with experience to take the role. They had sounded out a move to Wojciech Szczesny in the last few days, and now they have found a breakthrough.
Szczesny had laid out his conditions to make the move, which included guarantees of being a starter and if he was handed a one-year contract. Barcelona appear to have met those conditions as the former Arsenal star has now agreed to join the club, with medical tests set to take place in the next few days.
Szczesny had retired from professional football after he terminated his contract with Juventus during the summer. While there were a few clubs, including those from Saudi Arabia, interested in taking him, the Pole only wanted a starting role somewhere, or else he was happy to retire. With the Barcelona move, he could now extend his career by another year, as the 34-year-old is set to replace Ter Stegen as their No.1.
Szczesny will fit in at Barcelona
Barcelona’s requirement needed an experienced keeper to replace Ter Stegen and they have found their answer in Szczesny. The Polish star has extensive experience in his career playing for Arsenal, Roma and Juventus, meaning he can adapt to different conditions.
Despite Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues, they could de-register Ter Stegen to accommodate Szczesny into their roster. Overall, the former Arsenal star is the right fit for the club compared to using Pena or someone else in the No.1 role, as the Catalans are targetting important titles this season.
