.png)
1 month ago
16 ARTICLE AD
Barcelona have a clear plan in place when it comes to replacing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and all signs point to Wojciech Szczesny as their primary target.
The club’s sporting authorities have evaluated several factors, ultimately narrowing down their decision to the experienced Polish goalkeeper.
While these decisive moments unfold, the future of Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation hangs in the balance, especially as they work through the details of whether the retired Szczesny will be brought out of retirement to don the Barça jersey.
Now, it is no secret that a lot of thought has gone into the process and here we look at five reasons why Barcelona are absolutely right in opting for the Pole over other free-agent options.
Experience matters
Wojciech Szczesny would bring a lot of experience at Barcelona. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
One of the most important reasons behind Barcelona’s choice is Szczesny’s experience. At 34 years old, Szczesny has spent many years at the top level of football, giving him the kind of veteran presence that Hansi Flick is looking for.
This decision is particularly vital, considering the current options Barcelona have in goal are relatively inexperienced. Inaki Pena, the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, is 25 years old, while the other options, such as Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen, are only 20 and 18 years old, respectively.
Even Ter Stegen, who is just two years younger than Szczesny, is considered more youthful, further emphasizing the need for an experienced hand like Szczesny to stabilise the backline.
Proven track record
Despite announcing his retirement earlier this year, Szczesny has consistently performed at the highest levels throughout his career. His decision to retire in June came after Poland’s exit from the European Championships, but he had a successful season leading up to it.
His early exit from football was not due to a lack of physical ability; rather, he expressed that his heart was no longer in the game, choosing to spend more time with his family.
Yet, his body remains in top shape, and his past performances reflect his capability to handle the pressure of being a first-choice goalkeeper for a top-tier team like Barcelona.
Over the course of his career, Szczesny has averaged around 35 matches per season, a level of consistency that the Blaugrana need as they look to fill Ter Stegen’s shoes.
Champions League eligibility
Wojciech Szczesny would be eligible to play for Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
One of the standout advantages of bringing Szczesny to Barcelona is his eligibility to compete in the Champions League right away. Fortunately for Barcelona, UEFA regulations would allow Szczesny to be included in the squad immediately.
With Ter Stegen out for an extended period, Barcelona could swiftly register Szczesny without breaching UEFA’s rules, meaning he could be available to play from the moment he signs.
Given Barcelona’s ambitions in both La Liga and the Champions League, securing a goalkeeper of Szczesny’s calibre who can compete on all fronts from day one is a huge boost for the club.
Financial feasibility
From an economic standpoint, Barcelona are in a strong position to pursue Szczesny.
With Ter Stegen sidelined for a long duration, the club can free up 80% of the German goalkeeper’s salary, allowing them to enter the transfer market without facing financial difficulties.
This offers Barça flexibility in handling the potential costs of signing Szczesny. Although Barcelona have had their fair share of financial challenges in recent years, this opportunity provides a chance to sign a high-level replacement without straining their budget.
Smooth adaptation
Finally, Szczesny’s potential move to Barcelona appears seamless from a personal standpoint. Having spent a lot of time in Spain, Szczesny is already familiar with the country and its culture.
This should make his adaptation to life in Barcelona relatively straightforward. Furthermore, he shares a strong friendship with Barcelona’s star striker, Robert Lewandowski, which could help him settle into the dressing room quickly.
This camaraderie would certainly ease his integration into the team, as well as provide a level of comfort in his new surroundings.
