Wojciech Szczesny considering Barcelona move just weeks after ex-Arsenal goalkeeper announced shock retirement

Posted Wednesday, September 25, 2024 by Goal.com

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is said to be considering a move to Barcelona just weeks after hanging up his boots.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona are considering signing a new goalkeeper after seeing first-choice stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen ruled out with a serious knee injury. The German has undergone surgery and may not feature again this season. The Catalans are now looking at potential replacements and could turn to Szczesny, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Poland international announced his retirement from professional football in the summer, at the age of 34, but would be willing to make a comeback if an offer from Barcelona arrives.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona can bring in a replacement before the January transfer window but can only sign free agents, this limiting their options. Szczesny is an experienced goalkeeper, if he can be coaxed out of retirement, having played for Arsenal and Juventus during his career. He has also won 84 caps for Poland and featured for the national team at Euro 2024 alongside Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

WHAT BARCELONA HAVE SAID

Manager Hansi Flick has spoken about the possibility of bringing in a new goalkeeper during a press conference. He told reporters: "We will see what we do, we also have very young players in defence. At the moment, we do not feel under pressure and we trust Iñaki Pena."

DID YOU KNOW?

Inaki Pena is set to take over from Ter Stegen in the meantime. The back-up stopper also filled in for the German last season and conceded 32 goals in 17 games.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA

Flick's side return to action in La Liga on Wednesday against Getafe, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season in the Spanish top flight. Meanwhile, Barcelona fans will have to wait and see if the club do bring in a new goalkeeper or continue to rely on Pena while Ter Stegen is sidelined.