Barcelona has reportedly received the green light to register Wojciech Szczesny as a replacement for their injured first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Despite the current transfer window being closed, La Liga has granted special permission for this move due to Ter Stegen’s significant injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Ter Stegen, who has been Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper for eight years, suffered a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee during a 5-1 victory over Villarreal. The injury is expected to sideline him for at least eight months, creating a major void in Barcelona’s defense.
Barcelona worked tirelessly to get Szczesny’s transfer approved. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club submitted extensive documentation to La Liga, including medical reports detailing the severity of Ter Stegen’s injury. These reports were reviewed and validated by a Medical Commission, allowing Barcelona to proceed with the signing.
The Polish goalkeeper, who recently announced his retirement after leaving Juventus, has now agreed to a one-year deal with Barcelona. Szczesny had previously been Juventus’ number one and represented Poland at Euro 2024. However, despite stepping away from the game just a month ago, the 34-year-old has decided to return to action and fill in for Ter Stegen.
With Szczesny’s arrival imminent, Barcelona’s current backup goalkeeper, Inaki Pena, may return to a secondary role after deputizing in Ter Stegen’s absence. The move provides Barcelona with crucial cover in goal as they push forward in their campaign.