Barcelona veteran star one step away from signing a renewal – report

Wojciech Szczesny is enjoying an unexpected high point in his career at FC Barcelona. Just months after coming out of retirement, the Polish goalkeeper has become a key figure at the club in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to injury.

Szczęsny turned 35 years old today and was greeted with the ‘tunnel of slaps’ by his teammates during the training session ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash vs Celta Vigo.

Closing in on a new contract

Building on that, SPORT reports that Szczesny is now ‘one step away’ from signing a new contract to continue at Barcelona.

The veteran shot-stopper signed a short-term contract until the end of the season when he was brought in as an emergency reinforcement back in October.

However, such has been his impact, both on the field and inside the dressing room, that Barcelona have decided to keep the Polish custodian around for one more year. And, he is now very close to penning an extension.

Since taking over in goal, Szczesny has brought a new level of reliability. While Inaki Pena had been solid, the experienced Pole quickly established himself as the first choice with commanding performances.

His vocal leadership and confident presence have helped stabilise the defence, earning him widespread respect. At the same time, he has also established strong bonds with his teammates in the locker room.

Barcelona have lost just once with Szczesny in goal – the second leg against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, a defeat that still saw the team progress to the semi-finals.

In 23 appearances, he has conceded 21 goals, an average of under one goal per game.

Given his overall impact, manager Hansi Flick and Barcelona are very happy with Szczesny and his new contract is now very close to being signed.