Barcelona experienced campaigner says ‘yes’ to continue at club for one more year – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s goalkeeping picture for next season is beginning to take shape, with veteran shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny reportedly giving his green light to stay at the club for at least one more year.

According to MARCA’s Luis Rojo, the Polish goalkeeper has already agreed in principle to continue at Barça, with only the final details of the contract extension left to be ironed out.

The renewal will see Szczesny sign for one more season, with the possibility of an optional year depending on performance and circumstances.

After weeks of deliberation, and with Barcelona waiting patiently for a definitive answer, the 35-year-old has decided to continue his career in Catalonia, having reportedly discussed the matter thoroughly with his wife following the end of the season.

A stopgap role in an uncertain goalkeeping future

While Szczesny enjoyed a brief stint as Barcelona’s first-choice keeper due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury, the 2025/26 season was always projected to see him transition into a more secondary role.

His future playing time will heavily depend on whether Barcelona succeed in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, a move that could trigger a major reshuffle.

Wojciech Szczesny will renew his contract with Barcelona. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The club’s pursuit of Garcia remains ongoing, and with a €25 million release clause in place, Espanyol would be powerless to prevent the transfer if Barça are willing to pay the fee.

Should Garcia arrive, it is widely believed that Marc-Andre ter Stegen could consider an exit, especially if he cannot be assured regular starts, something crucial for his ambitions of leading Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

Szczesny’s decision adds stability… for now

In the midst of all this uncertainty, Szczesny’s decision to stay provides Barcelona with a measure of short-term stability.

Whether he ends up partnering Ter Stegen or Garcia next season, the Pole’s experience will be a valuable asset in what could be a transitional period for the club’s goalkeeping department.

It is worth noting that the former Juventus and Arsenal keeper had originally retired before joining Barcelona, enjoying life in Marbella before being lured back to professional football.

That context makes his commitment even more notable, especially since he openly weighed up a return to retirement over the past few weeks.