An FC Barcelona star might be offered a surprise contract extension despite not yet making his first team debut according to MARCA, which cited anonymous sources.
Wojciech Szczesny announced his retirement as a Juventus legend earlier this year, but was soon coaxed out of hanging up his boots permanently when Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured the patella tendon in his right knee against Villarreal approaching half time in an eventual 5-1 win.
Barca had a green light to sign a player in any position it wished as per La Liga rules, but still opted for a goalkeeper stand-in as there were reportedly doubts about Inaki Pena’s suitability to becoming the number one choice between the sticks for the Spanish top flight leaders.
This is where Szczesny came in, signing a deal until the end of the 2024/2025 season. As things have turned out, though, Hansi Flick’s public backing of Pena for key games such as the landmark wins over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich proved to be a masterstroke.
The La Masia product has gone up a level or two after previously looking shaky last term under Flick’s predecessor Xavi Hernandez, and has thus far prevented Szczesny from making his debut in Blaugrana.
But that doesn’t mean Szczesny can’t have a future beyond June 30 next year according to MARCA, which reports on Sunday that Sporting Director Deco already wants to extend the Pole.
Despite widely circulated footage of him smoking in the locker room following the mentioned 4-0 thrashing of Madrid at the Bernabeu, Szczesny has impressed with his exemplary attitude and hard work while accepting his current predicament.
During an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Deco communicated this by saying that Robert Lewandowski’s compatriot has brought “balance” and “competitiveness” to the squad.
“He is a person who the locker room has a lot of affection for, he has come with a positive spirit and that is important for a locker room dynamic. We are happy with what he is doing. The decision to play will always be up to the coach but I think that competitiveness in the squad is important,” Deco added.
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