Bold start: Barcelona may pivot their goalkeeping plans, and the decision could reshape the team’s Copa del Rey tie and beyond.
Wojciech Szczęsny is emerging as the frontrunner to start in goal for Barcelona on Tuesday, as Hansi Flick’s side prepare to face Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey. The veteran keeper has been cleared to play again after illness ruled him out of the win against Osasuna, and he is expected to line up as the starter, according to RAC1.
Reports indicate Szczęsny currently sits ahead of Marc-André ter Stegen in Barcelona’s pecking order. Ter Stegen, who recently returned to full fitness following back surgery in the off-season, has reportedly been told by Flick that, if he remains with the club, his chances to play could be severely limited.
Ter Stegen’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain. While he has expressed a desire to stay, his playing time this season could be heavily restricted, raising the possibility of a January move if he wants to be Germany’s number one ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Flick confronted questions about the goalkeeper situation and emphasized that it is ultimately Ter Stegen’s decision to make, stating that the choice rests with the player rather than the coach.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the balance between club duty and international ambitions adds urgency to the situation. If Ter Stegen seeks regular first-team football, a transfer in January could be on the cards to preserve his status as Germany’s top option for the upcoming tournament.
What do you think: should a top goalkeeper sacrifice club minutes for national-team ambitions, or should loyalty to the current club dictate his path? Share your take in the comments.
