FC Barcelona have planned some changes in the goalkeeping position that might not happen the way they desired. In recent hours, Ter Stegen has spoken out and has been firm regarding the ongoing rumors. His future is in doubt and, although many voices place him far from Barça, he has been firm: "No one has talked to me about this, so I don't know the situation. I'm not worried. I know I'll be in Barcelona next year."
With things as they are, these words have reached Wojciech Szczesny, who now has doubts. In recent days, his contract renewal with Barça for one more season, including another optional one, was considered certain. But the situation is not simple at all: Joan García will arrive to take the starting spot and, if Ter Stegen stays, there would be two veteran goalkeepers fighting for just one backup position.
At 35 years old, what Szczesny wants is for all the confusion in goal to be solved before he signs his new contract. He is happy to stay at FC Barcelona, but he doesn't want to spend the whole season stuck on the bench. One of the promises made to him is that he would have the chance to fight for the starting spot, but with two competitors ahead of him, he has doubts.
Szczesny: Doubts to solve
Wojciech Szczesny is not sure. The veteran Polish goalkeeper, who decided to come out of retirement to accept FC Barcelona's offer, is going through a moment of uncertainty. After having a great season in goal, the Catalan club has offered him a renewal for one more season, with an option for another (1+1). However, his situation has changed and now he has serious doubts.
The signing of Joan García, one of the Spanish soccer goalkeepers with the most potential, and the continuity of Marc-André ter Stegen, complicate his outlook. Szczesny knows he could spend the whole season 'stuck' on the bench, a role that doesn't convince him after proving he can still perform at the highest level. At 35 years old, he wants to keep competing and not just be a locker room figure.
He agreed to come to Barça because of what it means to defend the blaugrana jersey, but it wasn't in his plans to be left without minutes. Before signing the new contract, he wants to have a conversation with the coaching staff and the sporting management. Szczesny doesn't want to be the third goalkeeper. He wants to be able to fight for prominence or, failing that, have clarity about what will happen in the coming months. Barça must decide.