Barça heads into the last game of the season with the peace of mind that comes from a job well done and the knowledge that the team’s performance has exceeded expectations, with no major changes to the squad expected. Contract renewals are coming in and taking shape, although there are still several that remain up in the air and will have to be negotiated by Deco in the boardroom.
Szczesny renewal
One of those pending renewals is that of Szczesny, who arrived quietly as a substitute and has become one of the men of the season with great saves and statistics for clean sheets and victories on par with the great goalkeepers of the major leagues. With this great season, it is not surprising that his renewal is a top priority for Deco.
A few weeks ago, Deco considered the renewal a done deal, saying, “We are happy with him and he will surely continue with us,” but it has become clear that it was not as close as it seemed and doubts remain. The intention is clear and Barça president Joan Laporta made it clear a few days ago: “We want him to stay. The other day he was celebrating the victory smoking a cigar. I saw him eager to stay. We also have good goalkeepers in the reserve team and in the youth academy.“
However, the signing has not been finalized and it seems that Szczesny has some doubts about his decision, despite how comfortable he is in the city, at the club, and with his teammates. ”I think that if I extend my contract, it will be because I am convinced that I am a guarantee of quality on the bench next season. So I have to decide because this is also a new situation for me. I have to assess whether I am mentally capable of accepting it, of supporting Marc and helping him throughout the season,” said Tek.
Deco talks about the goalkeeper position
In an interview, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, spoke about the goalkeeper position and hinted that they could go after a goalkeeper if Wojciech Szczesny decides not to renew and end his time with the club. “We have two goalkeepers, Szczesny and Ter Stegen, and we’ll also see what Iñaki decides, because he has a year left on his contract. We have to look for another goalkeeper, given his age. Joan García is a good goalkeeper. I don’t follow goalkeepers much. I can give my opinion on the players, but I don’t know much about goalkeepers. In the scouting department, we are working to gather information on the best players, and García is a good goalkeeper,” said the manager.
Joan García is also liked by Real Madrid and, depending on how he performs this weekend with Espanyol, he could become a bargain. The Pericos are playing for their survival this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in their match against Las Palmas, who have already been relegated. The blue and whites need to win to ensure that Leganés, who host another relegated team, Valladolid, at Butarque, are relegated. If they win, they are mathematically safe, but a draw would leave them in the hands of Borja Jiménez’s team.
Another candidate in LaLiga
The Azulgrana are keeping an eye on Álex Remiro, Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper. However, it will not be an easy task, as Real will not let a player with a contract until 2027 and a €70 million release clause leave at any price. In addition, the departure of Dibu Martínez from Aston Villa has set Monchi to work who, according to AS, has begun to look for replacements, setting his sights on the Navarrese goalkeeper from Real. The Premier League’s financial power is well known, which would complicate the signing for Barça.