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Wojciech Szczesny addresses Barcelona rumours as goalkeeper 'closes in' on move

Is Szczesny joining Barcelona after Ter Stegen injury blow?
© Imago
Ex-Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is allegedly on the verge of joining Barcelona as a replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Wojciech Szczesny has sent his best wishes to Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid rumours that the ex-Juventus goalkeeper is close to joining Barcelona on a deal for the remainder of the season.

Ter Stegen will miss the rest of the 2024-25 campaign with the severe knee injury that he suffered during Barcelona's 5-1 victory over Villarreal in La Liga last weekend.

Barcelona are expected to bring in a replacement in the near future, and it is being reported that Szczesny, who is available on a free transfer, is their leading target.

According to SPORT, the experienced goalkeeper is 'close' to making the move to Camp Nou as Ter Stegen's replacement.

The 34-year-old made 252 appearances for Juventus between 2017 and 2024 before departing in the middle of last month, with his contract in Turin being terminated by mutual consent.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen picks up an injury on September 22, 2024© Imago

Szczesny 'closing in' on Barcelona move

However, his proposed move to Barcelona has been complicated by the fact that he could owe Juventus €2m (£1.7m) if he joins the Catalan outfit on a deal until the end of the season.

Szczesny was allegedly paid around €6m (£5m) by Juventus over the summer as part of his departure, with the goalkeeper expected to retire, and he could have to repay a third of that if he returns to the field.

When questioned on the situation by Mundo Deportivo, the goalkeeper said: "I just hope that Marc recovers soon. He is a good friend and a great goalkeeper and I wish him the best. That's the only thing I can comment on."

Meczyki report that the ex-Poland international will make a final decision 'in the next few hours', with a deal then potentially being signed for the rest of the campaign.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick on August 27, 2024© Imago

Pena will start against Getafe on Thursday

Inaki Pena will be between the sticks when Barcelona return to La Liga action against Getafe on Thursday, and the Catalan club's head coach Hansi Flick has insisted that he has "full trust" in the 25-year-old goalkeeper.

"Inaki is doing very well, he is very professional and has trained very hard. He is focused, despite being an assistant coach. We trust him," said Flick ahead of the clash with Getafe.

"We will see what we do, we also have very young players in defence. At the moment, we do not feel under pressure and we trust Inaki."

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has also offered to come out of retirement if he is wanted by the Catalan giants, although he is not thought to be a serious option at this stage of proceedings.

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Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on September 19, 2024
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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