Cristiano Ronaldo's former teammate identified by Barcelona as priority candidate to replace injured Ter Stegen - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's former Juventus teammate Wojciech Szczęsny has been the latest addition to the list of goalkeepers touted to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in Barcelona.
The German shot-stopper is expected to miss the whole season after suffering a knock to the right knee during Barcelona's La Liga clash against Villarreal on September 22. The next day, the club released an official statement confirming the extent of Ter Stegen's injury, stating:
"Tests carried out on the first team player, Marc ter Stegen confirm that he has a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee. On Monday afternoon he will undergo a surgical process and once complete a new update will be released."
According to sports journalist David Ibanez (via @barcacentre), Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus teammate Wojciech Szczęsny is one of the perfect candidates to be signed by Barcelona in the German's absence.
The Polish shot-stopper joined Juventus from Arsenal in 2017, keeping 103 clean sheets in 252 games for Vecchia Signora before retiring from club football in 2024. He also helped the club win eight major trophies, including three Serie A titles.
According to Barca Blaugranes, Szczęsny is willing to come out of retirement and help the Catalan club in their hour of need. One major factor that could influence his decision is the presence of Robert Lewandowski in the Catalan club. Both have played together for Poland for over a decade, sharing the pitch a total of 71 times.
Despite Ter Stegen's injury, Hansi Flick's side registered a massive 5-1 win against Villarreal to cement their position as table-toppers. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Pablo Torre scored while Lamine Yamal made headlines for an extraordinary assist to help Raphinha make it 5-1 in the 83rd minute.
"I think he will be one of the best in this generation" - Cristiano Ronaldo lavishes praise on Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal
Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal as one of the best in the modern generation. The La Masia graduate has been firing on all cylinders this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists in seven games for Barcelona across competitions.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand about the Spaniard on his YouTube channel, Cristiano Ronaldo said:
"I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal. I hope he does not have any problem in the future and I think he will be one of the best in this generation, for sure."
Thereafter, Ferdinand asked him to compare the Spaniard with himself and Lionel Messi when they were teenagers.
“Yes. The national team helped him a lot because he was very good. I think he has great potential. But let’s see, if he has his way, that’s what will happen. But I believe he will achieve it,” responded Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yamal has also been included in the 30-man Men's Ballon d'Or 2024 released on September 4. In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo had previously named Lamine Yamal as one of the future winners of the coveted award.