Barcelona’s summer plans for key position will hinge on veteran star’s decision | OneFootball

Even as Barcelona celebrate their domestic treble success under Hansi Flick, planning for the next season is already underway.

The Catalans’ sporting director, Deco, has some major decisions to make regarding the future of some players as well as the areas of the squad that need to be strengthened.

While right-back and left-wing are seen as positions that need to be strengthened, there is some concern regarding the goalkeeping department as well.

Wojciech Szczesny’s decision will impact summer plans

As such, SPORT reports that if Wojciech Szczesny renews, Barcelona will not pursue a goalkeeper on the market. If he does not, the club is targeting a top-level keeper with long-term potential.

Around three weeks ago, Deco offered Szczesny a one-year contract extension with an option for another twelve months.

Szczesny is yet to make a decision on his renewal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Polish goalkeeper requested time to decide and committed to providing an answer before starting his holidays, to give Barça time to react. He made clear the decision is not about money or sporting reasons – it is purely personal and family-related.

It is believed that Szczesny is leaning toward staying at Barcelona, even if his role becomes secondary. However, there is no firm confirmation.

So, Barcelona are awaiting a final decision from the 35-year-old shot-stopper. If he decides to continue, there will be no new signing.

But if Szczesny opts to hang up his boots again, the Catalans will enter the market for a top-quality goalkeeper with RCD Espanyol’s Joan Garcia having been identified as one of the potential alternatives along with Bart Verbruggen of Brighton & Hove Albion.