FC Barcelona have already 'tied' Marc-André Ter Stegen's replacement. Wojciech Szczesny has given the final 'yes' to the Catalan club to immediately join the team managed by Hansi Flick. The 35-year-old goalkeeper, who had hung up his gloves after playing the Euro Cup with Poland, has made the decision to come out of retirement to wear the Barça shirt, a priori, for the rest of the season.
According to what was reported by the journalist specialising in the transfer market, Fabrizio Romano, the goalkeeper will sign for one year with the Catalan club to replace 'MATS', who, in principle, will be out for an estimated 8 months.
Meanwhile, at Can Barça they are preparing to officially announce the signing of Szczesny once he passes the relevant medical tests, which are scheduled for this Thursday, September 26. The player, who has not trained at full strength for several months, has already started a physical plan to get fit as soon as possible and be available to Flick.
The Polish goalkeeper, who has a great friendship with Robert Lewandowski, fits the requirements demanded in the offices of the Spotify Camp Nou as a footballer with experience in the elite. Wojciech has defended the goals of big clubs such as Arsenal (2009-17), Roma (2015-17) and Juventus (2017-24), the latter being the team where he showed his best version, taking over from a legend like Gianluigi Buffon.
The player will not be able to play in the Champions League group stage
The Blaugrana institution made the decision to sign a reinforcement for the position as soon as possible and not wait for the winter market, since in these months the team is playing many of its options in the Champions League and in LaLiga. However, Szczesny will not be able to play in the Champions League group stage as he is not registered, although he could join the squad in Europe from February.
Szczesny's words
Before confirming his signing for Barça, the goalkeeper spoke to 'SPORT' and made it clear how much he was attracted by the offer from Barcelona. "I greatly respect the history of Barça; it is one of the best clubs in the world. I understand the difficult situation that has been created for them after Marc-André Ter Stegen's injury and I think it would be disrespectful of me not to consider this option" he said.
In this way, Hansi Flick will be able to count on one of the most proven goalkeepers in free agency, and whose desire to wear the Barça shirt led him to come out of retirement. A great example of Barcelonaism from a player who could be important for the club in the months to come.