Barcelona’s summer plans to strengthen key position depend on veteran star’s future

Barcelona’s goalkeeping plans for the 2025-26 season are still up in the air, with multiple factors influencing their final decision. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s management is carefully evaluating how to proceed, particularly regarding Wojciech Szczesny’s future.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains the first-choice goalkeeper and is under contract until 2028. However, he is currently recovering from a knee injury—the second to his patellar tendon. 

If all goes well, he is expected to be fit and available for selection by May, which would be a major boost for Barcelona.

What about Pena?

Inaki Pena has a contract running until 2026. Despite this, there have been no discussions about an extension. The Spanish goalkeeper has some uncertainty about his future, and Barcelona are also undecided on whether to renew his deal or sell him in the summer.

The key to Barcelona’s decision could be Szczesny. The Polish goalkeeper, now 34, initially joined the club on a one-year deal with no long-term commitment. 

However, having secured the starting position in Ter Stegen’s absence, he is now considering extending his stay. Barcelona are also closely monitoring his performances before making a final call on whether to offer him a renewal.

What if he leaves?

From a sporting perspective, there is an openness to keeping Szczesny at the club, given his solid displays so far. However, the ultimate decision rests with Hansi Flick. 

If Barcelona opt to offer him a new one-year contract and he accepts, the club will not sign a new goalkeeper in the summer.

On the other hand, if Flick decides against renewing Szczesny, Barcelona will look to bring in a young goalkeeper as long as their financial situation and La Liga’s financial fair play regulations allow for it. 

This would be a key factor in shaping their goalkeeping department for the future.