FC Barcelona's 5-1 victory against Villarreal had numerous positives for the Blaugrana club; however, it came with an injury to their priority number 1, Ter Stegen. At the stroke of halftime, the German international fell awkwardly on his right knee, forcing him to be subbed off soon, with Inaki Pena taking his place.
Former Juventus veteran on the verge of completing a free move to FC Barcelona
Although FC Barcelona went on to win the game comfortably with a massive scoreline of 5-1, the club board has been very concerned about their season ahead in Ter Stegen's absence. As a possible solution, the club has been looking for replacement signings, alongside trusting Inaki Pena for the role.
Among the shortlisted names, the most prominent ones had been former Real Madrid star Keylor Navas and former Juve veteran Wojciech Szczęsny. Even though initial reports had Navas ahead of Szcesney for a Barcelona move, recent reports indicate that the Polish goalkeeper stands much ahead of Navas due to his long ball-playing capabilities.
As per reports from Diario SPORT, Hansi Flick, knowing Szczesny from his experience at top clubs, has chosen the player to replace Ter Stegen. In fact, the Blaugrana club didn't take it long to offer the former Juventus star an offer for a move. Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Wojciech Szczesny’s agents, CAA Stellar, have been approached by Barcelona to discuss potential terms.
Analyzing from Barca's perspective, not only does the 34-year-old's move help the club have significant options for the keeper role, but it could push the prodigy ones, Inaki Pena and Astralaga, to fight for a place. As reports suggest, Szczesny’s Barca move doesn't guarantee him a starter role, but rather, considering his ability to contribute, the club is progressing in his deal.
Although the deal seems to be a win-win situation for both parties, complications could arise in Szczesny’s free transfer. As reports from Diario SPORT indicate, even though the keeper's Juve contract stands terminated, the club owes a small compensation fee if the player signs for another club in the next few months. Thus, Barça hopes that the issue gets resolved as soon as possible; the keeper's move depends much on his pending contractual matter with Juventus.
While further updates regarding the goalkeeper's signing are yet to arrive, it is safe to predict that, as per the current scenario, Szczesny’s Barcelona move is possible. Going forward, it remains to be seen how the keeper kicks in at the club and how Inaki Pena and Ander Astralanga grow in the keeping roles in the situation.