October 02, (THEWILL) – Barcelona have signed Wojciech Szczesny on a free transfer following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term injury, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday. The Polish goalkeeper reversed his retirement decision to join the Spanish giants after their German shot-stopper suffered a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee.
Ter Stegen underwent surgery for the injury he sustained over the weekend and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. While 25-year-old Inaki Pena was initially slated to cover for the injured keeper, Barcelona have bolstered their squad with the experienced Szczesny.
The 34-year-old former Poland international had recently terminated his contract with Serie A side Juventus, where he had one year remaining. Szczęsny, who replaced Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus, made over 250 appearances for the Turin-based club, winning three league titles and three domestic cups.
Despite his successful tenure at Juventus, Szczesny found himself displaced by new signing Michele Di Gregorio. This development led to his initial retirement announcement last month, which he has now reconsidered to aid Barcelona in their time of need.
Barcelona currently leads the La Liga standings with 21 points from eight matches. Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, the team is set to face Deportivo Alaves away from home on Sunday, where Szczesny may potentially make his debut for the Catalan club.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
