Almost done – Barcelona set to reach verbal agreement with key veteran over new contract | OneFootball

Wojciech Szczesny, in a short period, has established himself as a key player for Barcelona between the sticks.

The 34-year-old was brought in only as an emergency option after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury back in October. Having had to wait until January for his debut, the Pole has not looked back ever since.

Now, the preferred option between the sticks for Hansi Flick ahead of Inaki Pena, Szczesny is yet to taste a single defeat in his 17 appearances for the Catalans.

Given the impact he has had on the field and in the dressing room, Barcelona have been working towards renewing his contract which expires at the end of the ongoing season.

Verbal agreement close

Now, providing an update on the renewal talks, Fabrizio Romano reports that the verbal agreement between Szczesny and Barcelona over a new contract is almost done.

This development comes after sources from Poland insisted that the veteran player was 99% certain about signing a new deal with the Blaugrana.

Agreement close. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The report from Romano further states that only a few minor details remain to be sorted with the player’s green light, following which he will pen a year-long extension until 2026.

Manager Hansi Flick and the Barça board have already given their approval to the renewal, having been impressed by how Szczesny has adapted to the club in a short period.

Coming out of retirement, the former Arsenal and Juventus ace needed some time to get back to match fitness. And while there were a few early jitters, he has largely been a steady and reliable presence under the woodwork for Barcelona.

With his renewal now almost certain, Inaki Pena is likely to bring an end to his time at Barcelona as he would be relegated to third-choice goalkeeper next season once Marc-Andre ter Stegen returns.