Barcelona veteran proving Flick was right to bet on him, prompting club to consider contract extension | OneFootball

2025 has been a year for Wojciech Szczesny so far – something no football fans would have thought happening, considering the fact that the goalkeeper announced his retirement in the summer of 2024.

But since returning from retirement to join Barcelona and enduring a slow recalibration process, the former Arsenal goalkeeper has established himself as a firm option for coach Hansi Flick in between the sticks.

Szczesny initially started out serving as the alternative for Inaki Pena, who was Barcelona’s prime replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Spaniard never quite disappointed either. But it was Flick who made an abrupt decision to start with Szczesny against Benfica and the dynamics of the Barcelona goalkeeping department has never been the same since.

Szczesny proves his worth to Flick

Since the turn of the year, Szczesny has featured in 10 competitive matches for Barcelona, racking up five clean sheets while conceding just nine goals.

Szczesny has taken over the reins from Pena (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

During this period, the veteran goalkeeper has provided some quality performances, notably making a few crucial saves in the most recent win against Rayo Vallecano.

Thanks to Szczesny’s consistent performances, coach Flick has time and time again reiterated that the Pole is currently Barcelona’s number one goalkeeper.

Will Szczesny remain at Barcelona?

In light of his brilliant performances, a recent report from SPORT suggests Barcelona are contemplating extending the contract of Szczesny.

The Pole’s current deal in Catalonia expires at the end of the season. But Barça might look to extend that for another year, especially considering the newfound uncertainty in Inaki Pena’s long-term future at the club.

The Spaniard’s relationship with Flick has reportedly gone cold so it won’t be surprising to see him depart Catalonia in the coming summer.

That is where Szczesny’s presence could prove to be critical, even though Barça are more than likely to look for a replacement in the market.