Flick calls retired Arsenal star to save Barcelona's season

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 25 Sept 2024 09:37 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have been rocked by the news that Marc-Andre ter Stegen faces at least eight months on the sidelines because of injury, but head coach Hansi Flick has reacted quickly to raid the free agent market.

There is a fear that Ter Stegen may never play again after undergoing patellar tendon surgery, with the veteran Germany keeper having suffered from chronic knee pain for several years.

Inaki Pena is his current understudy at Camp Nou but lacks first-team experience, and though Barca are said to back the goalkeeper, they are looking to reinforce this area of the team.

The Blaugrana do not want to wait until the January transfer window before signing a goalkeeper, which can be achieved by looking at the free agent market.

Barcelona have already contacted two particularly experienced goalkeepers, with Keylor Navas and Wojciech Szczesny, who had retired just a few weeks ago. And the feedback has been positive, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the pair “have shown themselves to be very receptive to joining Barcelona, even if it is only until 30 June and for a low salary”.

There is, however, a clear favourite in the eyes of the coach.

“If the decision is up to Flick alone,” MD reports, “the German coach's choice is Szczesny, who was a starter for Poland at the European Championship this summer and also has a great friendship with Robert Lewandowski, his compatriot, who could act as a guide at Barca for his quick adaptation.”

Szczesny is the more complicated move, however. The former Arsenal star is still owed money by Juventus and this contractual situation with the Serie A side will need to be resolved before any deal is struck with Barcelona.

Pena has Flick’s confidence

Ahead of a clash with Getafe in LaLiga, Flick backed goalkeeper Pena to shine in the interim, suggesting that the Barcelona head coach is not in a mad rush to get the first available shot-stopper.

“Inaki is doing very well, he is very professional and has trained very hard. He is focused, despite being a second goalkeeper. We trust him,” the Barca boss said.

Despite this, Barcelona can expect to sign a new goalkeeper in the coming days.