Wojciech Szczęsny has made an impressive turnaround in his career at FC Barcelona. In just two months, he has gone from being a mere substitute to becoming one of the team's most important players. His outstanding performance in Lisbon against Benfica (0-1) has been key to earning Hansi Flick's trust, securing his position as a starter.
From Substitute to Starter
When Szczęsny arrived at Barcelona, his situation was not the most favorable. The former Juventus player started on the bench, with Ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña ahead of him. Nevertheless, the Pole has made the most of his opportunity.
With a couple of spectacular performances, especially against Benfica, he has shown that he still has much to offer. After the match in Lisbon, Tek humbly stated: "Will I sign a new contract in the summer? Right now, I'm not worried about that." His focus is clear, concentrating on what he can control: his performance.
The Impact of His Performances
Szczęsny has not only kept his goal unbeaten in multiple matches, but he has also played an essential role in some key victories for the team. Throughout this year, he has accumulated 14 matches without losing, of which 8 have been with a clean sheet. A record that gives Hansi Flick plenty of reasons to give him the starting position.
This success was not immediate, as the goalkeeper needed time to adapt and regain his physical form after being in retirement. However, once he was ready, his quality and experience became evident, and the club has rewarded him with more opportunities.
The Renewal and the Consequences for Iñaki Peña
As the months go by, Szczęsny's future at Barcelona seems increasingly clear. The club is willing to offer him a contract renewal, which would mean bad news for Iñaki Peña. The Spanish goalkeeper, who is under contract until 2027, might have few opportunities to regain his starting position, especially with Szczęsny's presence and Ter Stegen's return.
This leaves Peña in an uncomfortable situation, as he might seek an exit in search of more playing time. The Catalan club hopes to obtain a figure close to 10 million euros with his transfer, which would benefit the team's finances.
This gesture has served to further strengthen the bond between the player and the club, and Szczęsny's future at FC Barcelona seems increasingly promising.