"Would be disrespectful not to consider this option" - Barcelona target on rumors linking him with move following Ter Stegen's injury
Former Arsenal and Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny has addressed rumors linking him with a move to Barcelona. The former Poland international is reportedly being considered by the Blaugrana as an option with their first-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen out injured.
Ter Stegen has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a patellar tendon rupture, putting Barcelona in a tight corner. It has been reported that the Catalan giants are eyeing a move for Szczesny to replace Ter Stegen for this season.
Szczesny insisted that he feels privileged to be linked with one of the best clubs in the world and admitted that it would be disrespectful to not consider a move to Camp Nou. The Polish keeper said, as quoted by Spanish outlet Sport:
“I respect Barça’s history a lot; It is one of the best clubs in the world. I understand the difficult situation that has been generated for them after the injury of Marc-André Ter Stegen and I think it would be disrespectful of me not to consider this option."
The 34-year-old also claimed he shares a good friendship with ter Stegen and wished him a quick recovery. He said, as quoted by Barca Universal:
"I just hope that Marc recovers soon. He is a good friend and a great goalkeeper and I wish him the best. That’s the only thing I can comment on."
Szczesny retired from professional football this month after seeing his contract terminated at Juventus. He boasts a solid resume, having featured for teams like Arsenal, Roma and Juventus over the years and won 11 trophies in club football.
If Barcelona manage to secure Szczesny's signature, they would be required to pay a fee to Juventus for his services. The Catalan giants currently have Inaki Pena and Ander Astralaga as backup keepers at Camp Nou.
Pundit urges Barcelona to make a move for Manchester United target
Former Chelsea winger-turned-TV pundit Pat Nevin has urged Barcelona to launch a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The ex-Scotland international has insisted that the Englishman has what it takes to play for the Catalan giants.
As claimed by TEAMtalk, a host of teams are monitoring Branthwaite's situation at Goodison Park. Clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea are all reportedly keen on the 22-year-old's signature.
Pat Nevin has urged Barcelona to make a move for the coveted centre-back and bolster their backline for many years to come. He said, as quoted by Manchester Evening News:
“Don’t worry Everton fans. If he stays, which I hope he does for the rest of the season at least, then great. He’ll help Everton stay up which I’m confident they will."
The pundit added:
"But if he goes, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the biggest clubs in Europe are in there. He can play for Barcelona. If they came in, I wouldn’t bat an eyelid. He’s fabulous on the ball, he’s growing quickly with confidence. He’s so far ahead of players that age that I would take him over every other centre-half his age in the world. He’s that good or at least he can become that good."
Barcelona are not quite not short of either quality or depth at the heart of the defence. They have options like Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen available.