FC Barcelona will undoubtedly be looking to improve their squad in the absence of some key players. Unfortunately, the transfer window is usually only accessible during certain periods of the year. That being said, Barcelona are currently facing an unorthodox problem and may have thus found an unusual solution.
Following the long-term injury to starting goalkeeper and captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Barcelona have been forced to make a key decision regarding the future of the goalkeeping spot. Either they can stick with Inaki Pena and rely on him, or they can look to bring in a new reinforcement.
Ultimately, many reliable sources have claimed that it is the second option that Barcelona have opted for. However, given the unusual timing of needing such a transfer, certain restrictions have been placed that have limited the possible candidates that La Blaugrana can actually even pursue.
However, it seems that Barça may have found their man in recently retired Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. A well-renowned player and one who brings undeniable experience with him, his arrival at the Catalan club is expected to provide both quality and experience.
Yet, Hansi Flick does not want either the player or the fans to get the impression that any such arrival would mean that the signed player would become a key starter immediately. Instead, the German coach wants it to be known that every player will have to earn their spot.
As highlighted by SPORT, Flick had the following to say when he was asked about the possibility of a new goalkeeper arriving and what it could mean for Inaki Pena:
“I don’t talk about players who aren’t part of our team yet. All I can say is that Barça players cannot be guaranteed a starting spot.”
Fortunately, that is exactly the kind of mentality that is needed at the club. Szczesny is undeniably a great goalkeeper with a career to match his quality, but even he must earn his stripes in this team being led by the German coach this season in case he ends up arriving.