Deco hints at Barcelona veteran’s continuity beyond this season – ‘Can give us a lot next year’ | OneFootball

Wojciech Szczesny replacing Inaki Pena as Barcelona’s main goalkeeper this year has been one of the key highlights for the club this season.

The veteran goalkeeper has indeed become a first-team regular for Barcelona, in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. His prominence in the first team has come at the expense of Pena, who appears to have fallen out of favour under Flick.

Szczesny, for his part, has been impressive, to say the least. The veteran Pole has offered some much-needed experience in between the sticks, and despite the occasional fumbles, he has done a superb job so far.

The numbers speak for themselves, as the former Arsenal goalkeeper has kept four clean sheets in nine competitive matches, conceding only nine goals in the process.

Deco confirms Szczesny can stay at Barcelona

In the wake of Szczesny’s recent prominence in the team, there have been talks of the Pole’s potential retention next season, with his current deal expiring at the end of the ongoing campaign.

To that end, Barcelona sporting director Deco has recently confirmed that Szczesny can indeed stay at Barça beyond the end of the season.

Will Szczesny stay at Barcelona next season? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“If he is happy, he is a player to keep in mind because he can give us a lot next year,” he told SPORT (h/t Fabrizio Romano).

Deco, though, later admitted that Barcelona have yet to hold talks with the former Juventus goalkeeper surrounding a potential contract extension.

“I don’t know his plans yet. We haven’t spoken, but we will surely speak soon,” the Brazilian added.

From a tactical perspective, Szczesny’s prolonged stay at Barcelona could certainly be useful for the club, especially taking into account Pena’s uncertain future at the club.

Although the Catalans are keen on extending the contract of the young Spanish shot-stopper, his recent demotion from the team’s plans could potentially tempt him to leave Barcelona in the summer and start a new adventure elsewhere.

The coming few months, therefore, could prove to be crucial as these two goalkeepers look to take a final call on their future at Barcelona.