Wojciech Szczesny Left Waiting on Barcelona Registration as La Liga Champions Eye Iñaki Peña Exit

Barcelona fans may need to exercise a little patience before seeing Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks for the Catalan giants. Despite re-signing the experienced Polish goalkeeper until 2027 after his previous contract expired, registration issues have left him sidelined, with the La Liga champions prioritising other transfers first. According to Mundo Deportivo, Financial Fair Play restrictions are delaying Szczesny’s official inclusion in the squad, and it could be the third match of the campaign before he is available for Hansi Flick’s team.

Registration Hurdles and Squad Management

The current predicament stems from Barcelona’s need to juggle incoming and outgoing players under La Liga’s strict financial rules. While Szczesny’s contract is ready and he is expected to compete for the No.1 spot, the club are racing against the clock to manage their summer signings, departures, and registrations.

Defender Martín is set to feature against Levante after Oriol Romeu’s departure freed up space in the squad. Meanwhile, Szczesny and academy graduate Roony Bardghji remain on hold, unable to be registered until certain departures are confirmed. This juggling act is common for Barcelona in recent seasons, given their need to balance finances with sporting ambition under La Liga’s Financial Fair Play framework.

Hansi Flick has openly expressed his frustration with the slow pace of registrations. Having invested in new talents like Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, the German coach wants his squad available as soon as possible. However, until Barcelona finalise the exits of Iñaki Peña and Hector Fort, options are limited. The club are reportedly focused on getting Peña a contract extension followed by a loan, while Fort is attracting interest from Aston Villa and may depart either on loan or permanently. Only when these exits are completed will space be available for Szczesny and Bardghji.

Szczesny’s Return and Expectations

Wojciech Szczesny Inaki Pena Barcelona

Wojciech Szczesny’s return to Barcelona has been met with excitement from fans and teammates alike. The 35-year-old enjoyed a half-season spell previously with the club and impressed enough to secure an extended deal. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as Barcelona navigate another campaign in La Liga, the Champions League, and domestic cups.

While he is waiting on registration, Martín is set to handle first-team duties, giving Flick some continuity in goal. Szczesny’s first competitive outing could come against Rayo Vallecano on matchday three, depending on when the administrative formalities are completed. His arrival will not only boost Barcelona’s goalkeeping department but also provide a reliable figure for a team that is expected to contend on multiple fronts this season.

The Role of Roony Bardghji

Roony Bardghji, another player caught in the registration logjam, is lined up for the senior squad rather than Barcelona B (Barça Atletic). This strategic move by the club signals their intent to gradually integrate the young talent into the first team. Until Bardghji’s registration is finalised, he cannot feature in official matches. Barcelona have notified La Liga of his intended status to prevent any confusion, showing careful planning behind the scenes to maximise squad depth.

Financial Fair Play and Squad Flexibility

Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona looks on

The bottleneck affecting Szczesny and Bardghji underscores the ongoing challenges Barcelona face in squad management. La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules force clubs to align wages and transfers within strict parameters, and Barcelona are no exception. This season, the Catalan giants have been busy in the market, juggling high-profile signings while managing departures, loans, and contract extensions to comply with the regulations.

Iñaki Peña’s anticipated contract extension and subsequent loan are central to the plan. Until this deal is finalised, the squad cannot accommodate Szczesny without violating the spending limits. Hector Fort’s potential move to Aston Villa also plays a key role, with his departure set to create further space. Once both transactions are completed, Barcelona will have enough flexibility to register their new and returning talents efficiently.

Flick’s Challenge and Tactical Considerations

For Hansi Flick, the delayed registration of Szczesny presents a tactical challenge. The German coach must manage goalkeeping duties while keeping his squad fresh and competitive in the early games of the season. Martín, set for his first-team debut against Levante, will shoulder responsibility in the opening fixtures. Meanwhile, Bardghji’s integration and Szczesny’s eventual return will allow Flick to rotate and strengthen key positions once registrations are sorted.

Szczesny’s experience will also be crucial for a Barcelona team aiming to challenge in La Liga and the Champions League. His leadership at the back, combined with shot-stopping ability, provides the kind of stability that allows the attacking talents like Marcus Rashford to flourish with confidence.

Looking Ahead

As Barcelona continue to finalise their summer business, fans will be eagerly watching the timeline for Szczesny and Bardghji’s registration. The club are optimistic that the necessary exits will be completed quickly, paving the way for the goalkeeper and the young academy graduate to make their mark. Once registered, Szczesny is expected to slot straight into the starting XI, giving the Catalan champions a reliable No.1 as they chase silverware.

Meanwhile, the ongoing management of Peña and Fort reflects Barcelona’s careful approach to squad planning. By strategically handling departures, loans, and contract renewals, the club hope to balance La Liga compliance with competitive strength, ensuring they field the strongest possible team when key players like Szczesny become available.

In short, while fans may have to wait a little longer to see Wojciech Szczesny in action, Barcelona are methodically managing their summer moves to ensure the squad is both financially compliant and competitively ready. Once Peña and Fort’s situations are resolved, La Liga watchers can expect Szczesny to step between the sticks and provide the stability and experience that a title-chasing Barcelona side will desperately need this season.