Since the long-term injury suffered by Marc Andre Ter-Stegen a few weeks ago, the goalkeeping position at FC Barcelona is in a state of continuous flux.
Inaki Pena has started the last few games after the German’s injury and is expected to start the upcoming game against Alaves as well. However, the Blaugranes have also signed the Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny to compete with Pena for a starting spot, especially as the latter will provide a significantly more experienced option for Hansi Flick.
However, the former Juventus goalkeeper has been signed only till the end of this season, and both the club and the player understand that this association is not going to be extended unless he puts in some truly world-class performances and wants to keep playing after having retired at the end of the last season.
In such circumstances, SPORT reports that Barcelona are looking to sign a goalkeeper who can remain with the team for years to come. For this purpose, they have an OGC Nice shot-stopper, Marcin Bulka, in mind.
Bulka is the goalkeeper who has replaced Szczesny in the Polish national team after the latter’s retirement, and at 25 years of age, has proven himself to be the fastest-growing player in Europe in his position.
After having trained at Chelsea, PSG, and on loan at Cartagena, the Pole joined OGC in 2021 on loan from PSG and then joined them permanently in 2022 and has been a key player for his team since then. He also had a trial at Barcelona before signing with Chelsea, but a final agreement could not be reached at that time.
Still, the Catalans know him perfectly and believe he is an option whom they can afford with their current financial capacity. After the end of this season, he will have only one year left on his contract, and his agent Pini Zahavi, who has very good relations with Barcelona, wants him to join a big club at this point in his career.
For now, Barcelona are confident that they have the goal covered well with Pena and Szczesny. But for the future, Bulka is being followed as a highly suitable option.
