In early October 2024, Barcelona decided to sign Wojciech Szczesny as an emergency goalkeeper. This decision was made after their main goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, suffered a severe injury that sidelined him for an extended period.
Szczesny was able to join outside the transfer window as he was a free agent. The Polish goalkeeper had actually decided to retire after his contract with Juventus ended on June 30, 2024. However, his extensive experience at the highest level of European football made Barcelona interested in signing him.
Despite joining a club as big as Barcelona, Szczesny was not guaranteed a starting position. He had to compete with Inaki Pena, a graduate of the La Masia academy, for the number one spot. However, this situation did not discourage Szczesny, and he was ready to prove himself on the field.
At the beginning of his arrival, coach Hansi Flick preferred Pena as the first-choice goalkeeper. Szczesny could only wait for his opportunity. That moment finally came at the start of 2025 when he was given a chance to play in the Copa del Rey match against Barbastro on January 5. From that moment on, Szczesny never missed a game as Barcelona’s goalkeeper.
In the last 13 matches played by Szczesny, Barcelona has not lost. They recorded 10 wins and 3 draws, with Szczesny keeping 7 clean sheets. One of his best performances came in the match against Real Sociedad on March 2, 2025, when Barcelona secured a convincing 4-0 victory. In that match, Sociedad failed to register a single shot on target.
Szczesny’s impressive performances earned him the nickname “Barcelona’s magical talisman.” His consistency in guarding the goal has been a crucial factor in Barcelona’s resurgence in the second half of the season. It’s no surprise that rumors of a contract extension have started circulating.
Currently, Szczesny’s contract with Barcelona is set to expire this summer. However, given his outstanding performances and positive impact on the team, Barcelona’s management is reportedly interested in keeping him for a longer period.
Responding to these rumors, Szczesny has not ruled out the possibility of staying at Camp Nou. The 34-year-old goalkeeper revealed that he and his family have started to feel at home in Barcelona.
“If you had asked me at the beginning of the season, I would have said that I would leave in June,” Szczesny said in an interview quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“However, I have really enjoyed my time here. My family is also very happy. My child loves his school, and my wife enjoys living here. So, I am open to anything now,” added the former Arsenal goalkeeper.
This statement strongly indicates that Szczesny could extend his stay at Barcelona. If he continues to perform impressively, it is highly likely that he will receive a contract extension and remain an essential part of the Blaugrana squad for the coming seasons.
