Barcelona confirm new goalkeeper signing on short-term deal to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona announced just his third signed this year later Wojciech Szczesny signed a deal as a free agent on Wednesday. The 34-year-old had retired last month, but attracted by the opportunity to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Szczesny decided to return to the game.
Szczesny was last at Juventus, and was their starting goalkeeper last season, but he terminated his contract with the Biaconeri during the summer. He has signed a one-year deal with Barcelona until the end of the season, with ter Stegen out until at least April next year, if not longer. In its official statement, Barcelona highlighted his experience, with more than 500 appearances at the highest level, and 75 matches in the Champions League.
Frenkie de Jong: “I'm happy for the win and, personally, to return to playing football. The fans also applauded and I thank you very much for that. A happy night.” Via @mundodeportivo
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 2, 2024
It is believed that Szczesny and Barcelona will evaluate his future again at the end of the season, but it is not excluded that he could stay longer. The Blaugrana will pay him around 3 million euros a year plus bonuses, while the Catalan team will negotiate a fee with Juventus. Szczesny was due a payment as he went next year without the club, but the Blaugrana had to come to an agreement with Szczesny and Juventus to ensure that he is not shortchanged.
Szczesny is now competing with Inaki Pena for the number one spot, with the Polish shotstopper expected to be more or less ready to go at the end of the October international break. Barcelona return to action against Sevilla on Sunday evening at home, before facing Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Manager Hansi Flick stated that neither Pena nor Szczesny have their place guaranteed.
