Barcelona hero vs Benfica edging closer to extending his stay at the club | OneFootball

From his first UEFA Champions League match for Barcelona against Benfica to his most recent appearance against the Portuguese club, a lot has changed for Wojciech Szczesny.

After an error-strewn display on his previous visit to Lisbon, the 34-year-old turned in a stunning performance on Wednesday night, helping Barcelona secure a crucial 1-0 win in the Round of 16 first-leg tie.

The Polish goalkeeper has found his form and repaid the faith shown by Hansi Flick, who bet on him ahead of Inaki Pena.

Barcelona intent on renewing Szczesny

As such, SPORT reports that Barcelona are now fully convinced of Szczesny’s role as the starting goalkeeper until the end of the season and sees him as a reliable asset for the future.

The Catalans now intend to extend the veteran goalkeeper’s contract for another year, and the player himself is leaning towards staying, as he is enjoying his time at the club and believes he can cap off his career with major titles.

Signing Szczesny after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury was a gamble by Barcelona as he arrived after months without playing, having announced his retirement.

But the club had no doubts that he was the ideal candidate. It was clear to everyone at the club that if the Pole regained his rhythm, he would eventually claim the starting spot from Pena, thanks to his experience and technical ability.

Set to continue at Barcelona. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Szczesny’s rise to prominence has reshaped the club’s goalkeeping plans for next season. Ter Stegen is expected to return soon, and his place as the first-choice goalkeeper is undisputed.

Beyond that, the Catalans need a reliable second option. It is now evident that Pena, despite having another year on his contract, is not in Flick’s plans.

Initially, Barcelona considered entering the transfer market to find a young goalkeeper with potential, but the priority now is to keep Szczesny.

Szczesny inclined to say yes

Szczesny is fully aware of Barcelona’s desire to keep him, and he is open to the idea. His potential renewal will not be determined by financial factors but rather by his personal desire to continue playing.

His positive integration into the dressing room has also played a key role. He is well-liked among his teammates and is experiencing a second career peak. Furthermore, the extension of his close friend Robert Lewandowski will also serve as an additional motivation.

The discussions between Szczesny and Barcelona will take place at the end of the season. There is no urgency as both parties are currently focused on securing the biggest trophies possible.

But, as things stand, it is highly likely that the former Juventus ace will give the green light to an extension.