Barcelona veteran still torn over contract renewal as big decision looms | OneFootball

With the La Liga title secured and little left to fight for this season, FC Barcelona have already turned their attention to building for the next campaign. The summer transfer window could prove pivotal for Hansi Flick, as the club looks to turn a strong first XI into a well-rounded squad.

The core of the team is well sorted, and as things stand, when everyone is fit, Barcelona have a first XI that is capable of beating anyone in the world. However, the same cannot be said about backup players, and this is where the Spanish club needs to improve.

One more issue for them to solve will be the goalkeeping situation. Wojciech Szczesny has done a brilliant job at Barcelona since coming in as an injury replacement for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Now, the German goalie is back in the mix.

Ter Stegen to take over?

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will be raring to go next season. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

It is almost certain that the Barcelona club captain will be Hansi Flick’s first-choice going into next season, but the Catalan club also wants to renew the deal for Szczesny to extend his stay so that the club can have some depth in this position.

It has been evident now and even confirmed by the player himself that Barcelona have tabled a contract for the Polish veteran, but as per SPORT, the ex-Juventus stopper is still torn over a renewal and has a big decision to make.

The report highlights that the first reason why Szczesny has still not responded to the contract renewal is that he is waiting for his family’s decision. The Pole wants to ensure that his family also wants to continue at Barcelona.

The other thing that is stopping the 35-year-old from putting pen to paper is that he is aware that he will have to be a backup to Ter Stegen next season and needs to study whether it is a role he will be able to pull off. Here is what he had to say on the same:

“I think if I extend my contract, it will be because I’m convinced I’m a guarantee of quality on the bench next season. So I have to decide because this is also a new situation for me. I have to assess whether I’m capable of accepting it mentally, of supporting Marc and helping him throughout the season.”

A long-lasting impact

What next for Tek? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Wojciech Szczesny’s experience, leadership, and steady hands have played a key role in Barcelona’s successful second half of the season. Whether he stays on as a reliable No. 2 or decides to retire once again, his impact on this team has already been felt.

With the contract renewal offer on the table and the club eager to retain him, the ball is now in Szczesny’s court. As he weighs personal and professional considerations, his decision may also shape what happens next for Inaki Pena, another talented goalkeeper with limited opportunities.

It’s a delicate balance between squad depth and individual ambition, and Barcelona will be hoping the veteran Pole decides to stick around for the next chapter.