Marc-André Ter Stegen's injury set off alarms at FC Barcelona. The team couldn't wait for a transfer window. They needed a free agent goalkeeper, without a contract, and they needed one immediately.
The sports management, led by Deco, moved quickly. The goal was to find someone with experience and reliability. There was no time for experiments.
In the midst of that search, an unexpected name emerged. A former Real Madrid goalkeeper, who had become a free agent after his stint at PSG, suddenly appeared on Barça's agenda.
Szczesny, the Chosen One
The one who did arrive was Wojciech Szczesny. The Pole was retired in Marbella after leaving Juventus. Free and in shape, he convinced Deco and the coaching staff.
But he didn't have an easy path. During his first months, he lived in the shadow of Iñaki Peña. He didn't debut until the Alicante native arrived late to a tactical talk.
That's when everything changed, Flick put him as the starter against Athletic in the Super Cup, and he delivered.
Since then, Szczesny hasn't let go of the position. At 35 years old, he showed leadership, experience, and composure. Now Barça is already working on his renewal for another season.
"Barça Called Me"
It was Keylor himself who revealed it. In an interview with El Larguero, the Costa Rican held nothing back.
"They called my agent. I saw it as a compliment," he confessed with a smile. A statement that dropped like a bomb in Madrid and Barcelona.
At that moment, Keylor didn't have a team. His career in Europe seemed to have ended, but Barça appeared. He was available, unattached, and willing to listen.
However, the player himself acknowledged that the operation wasn't simple.
"My name was being mentioned around... but it's always complicated," he admitted.
His past with Real Madrid, his age (38 years), and the media pressure made the club hesitate. In the end, the door closed.
What About Ter Stegen?
Meanwhile, Ter Stegen was recovering. From afar, he watched as the club searched for a replacement. And how his place was in doubt.
There are no statements from him. Nor are they needed. In the locker room, many felt that the call to Keylor was a lack of confidence.
'Tek,' as his teammates call him, will have serious competition next season. Szczesny didn't come just to pass through. He came to stay.
The battle for the goalkeeper position will be real. And the German is no longer alone.
Soccer doesn't wait. Barça almost put a former Real Madrid player between their posts.