BARCELONA
Szczesny gives the green light to Barcelona move: all the contract details
The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper is set to undergo a medical at the Catalan club on Thursday.
When faced with a “now or never” decision, Wojciech Szczesny has said yes. According to Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk from Meczyki, the 34-year-old goalkeeper is set to undergo a medical exam at Barça this Thursday. If successful, Szczesny will join the club as a temporary replacement for Marc-André Ter Stegen, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Szczesny had announced his retirement after the European Championship with Poland, terminated his contract with Juventus, and was working on a documentary in Marbella, where he lives with his family. Initially, the idea of his return was dismissed as mere rumour, both in Poland and Barcelona, with many believing Szczesny had permanently left football. However, the recent announcement of his scheduled medical exam has given the story a more serious tone.
Later, serial Tweeter Fabrizio Romano wrote that the deal was “in place” and the contract would be for one year. The goalkeeper himself confirmed the news, telling Catalan media outlet SPORT that “I’m now in talks and considering Barça move. It’d be disrespectful if I didn’t consider this option for my career”. Barça is one of the best clubs in the world”
It remains unclear whether Szczesny, who left Juventus on a free transfer, will need to pay a fee to the Bianconeri for his return to professional football. Speculation suggests a possible fee of two million euros, but it’s also possible that he could leave without any financial obligation. Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Barça has a one-month window to sign an unemployed player, or else they’ll have to wait for the winter transfer market to open.
Barça’s sporting commission, however, has reservations about signing a player who has been out of elite competition for three months, especially with the transfer window only three months away. Yet, the influence of coach Hansi Flick and, most notably, Robert Lewandowski—who has a close relationship with Szczesny—seem to have pushed the deal forward, bringing the Polish goalkeeper to Camp Nou.
Barcelona take on Getafe in LaLiga in what will be Iñaki Peña’s first game as a starter this season. For the tie, manager Hansi Flick is forced to make changes due to various injuries to key players that include Olmo, Gavi, Fermín and Araújo.
The game between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF will be played on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, with kick-off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.