Wojciech Szczęsny (foto: Getty Images)
Wojciech Szczęsny’s return from retirement has been a stunning success, and Barcelona is now considering offering the veteran goalkeeper an additional year at the club.
Six months ago, Wojciech Szczęsny thought he would be relaxing on beaches, sipping cocktails, and smoking cigars. Instead, he is now competing for the biggest trophies in football after an unexpected return to the game with Barcelona.
The Catalan giants turned to the Polish goalkeeper in their time of need after Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury during a match against Villarreal. Initially, Inaki Peña was given the starting role, and even Szczęsny himself admitted that Peña deserved to play ahead of him. However, things took a dramatic turn at the start of the year.
From backup to undisputed No.1
Szczęsny made his Barcelona debut in the Copa del Rey against Barbastro, but it was in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Bilbao where he truly got his chance. Peña was benched for disciplinary reasons, and the former Juventus star seized the opportunity, delivering a strong performance.
After that, Szczęsny became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, except for games he missed due to suspension and the 1-1 draw against Getafe. Since taking over, he has remained unbeaten in 15 appearances, helping Barcelona secure 13 wins and 2 draws while keeping 8 clean sheets and conceding just 14 goals.
New contract on the horizon
Given his impressive performances, Barcelona is now considering offering the 34-year-old an extension beyond June, when his current contract expires. Fabrizio Romano reports that while there is no rush, the club is open to keeping Szczęsny for another season if he wishes to stay.
Despite ter Stegen’s expected return, Szczęsny could still play a key role for Barcelona next season, an incredible turnaround for a player who was recently out of professional football entirely.