Barcelona considering renewing veteran star's contract for one more season: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly considering renewing goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's contract for another season. The Polish keeper joined the Catalan giants as a free agent in October 2024 following starting goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen's season-ending injury.
On September 22, 2024, Barcelona's starting goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered patellar tendon rupture on his knee during a LaLiga fixture against Villarreal. The injury meant he would reportedly be out for the remaining season. Ter Stegen's injury led the Catalan giants to sign Wojciech Szczesny as a backup goalkeeper.
The former Juventus keeper came out of retirement to join Barca, signing a one season contract with the club. However, Szczesny is yet to make an appearance for La Blaugrana with Inaki Pena remaining the starting keeper for Hansi Flick.
According to MARCA journalist Luis Rojo, Barcelona are reportedly interested in extending Wojciech Szczesny's contract for another year. The Pole could be an important option as a backup goalkeeper amid doubts about Ter Stegen's fitness. The German keeper is on his path to recovery but it remains to be seen when he is available to return.
"Our priority is Ter Stegen" - Barcelona director Deco makes feelings clear about signing a new goalkeeper
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo this month, Barcelona sporting director Deco was asked about the club's plans on signing a new goalkeeper. La Blaugrana had been linked to Diogo Costa in recent weeks. However, Deco denied such rumors, saying (via Barca Blaugranes):
“We have Ter Stegen. I don’t see any goalkeepers right now because when Marc is fit we’re not going to sign anyone for him. Also, if I were Diogo I don’t know if I would come to Barcelona to be a substitute. We’re not considering signing him and if I were in his place I would want to go to a club where I knew I was going to play. We’re happy with the goalkeepers we have right now."
Ter Stegen's current contract with Barca ends in 2028. In 420 appearances for La Blaugrana, the German keeper has maintained 175 clean sheets. Speaking further about the club's faith in Ter Stegen, he added:
“Marc still has three years left on his contract, he’s young for a goalkeeper, 32, and we have to focus on him recovering well and coming back in good shape. That’s why having two goalkeepers who can guarantee us is important, so we’re not in a hurry for him to come back. We’re analysing it little by little, I don’t think it’s something we need to consider now."