Barcelona seems to be the port of former Poland, Juventus and Arsenal Wojciech Szczesny on a free transfer in the coming days. The Catalan team has the green light from Szczesny, and they are currently working on an agreement with Juventus to settle a payment of 2 million euros that was due.
The Polish shot-stopper has resumed his fitness regime since Monday, when he learned there was a possibility he could be an option for the Blaugrana, and is currently training in Marbella while awaiting confirmation of a deal. His goal is to get back in shape as soon as possible, with his post-international match against Sevilla as a first link for him could be back.
Hansi Flick intends to keep Iñaki Peña as the starting goalkeeper, while the arrival of veteran Wojciech Szczęsny is set to provide backup. However, Peña needs to stay at the top of his game, because the Polish goalkeeper will be very eager to compete. @sergidejuan9
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 26, 2024
There has been some doubt as to whether Flick will continue with Inaki Pena as his number one, or move to Szczesny once it is available. One thing that could work in his favor is that Szczesny could be available in the European competition, where he has more experience than his Pena. Marco say Barcelona registered Pena and Marc-Andre ter Stegen with UEFA for the Champions League, while youngsters Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen were part of the “B list” of youngsters, allowing them an extra place that can use for Szczesny.
One of the reasons Hansi Flick cited for the need to bring in another goalkeeper on Wednesday night was that neither Astralaga nor Kochen had first-team experience. Szczesny has an impressive career behind him, and at 34, he would be one of the most experienced members of the squad. Inigo Martinez and Robert Lewandowski stand out as the only in-form members of the team over thirty years old, and that could work in Szczesny's favor.
