Wojciech Szczesny left waiting on Barcelona registration as La Liga champions await Inaki Pena transfer

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are still unable to register Szczesny due to La Liga’s Financial Fair Play restrictions. The Polish goalkeeper, who signed a deal until 2027 after his previous contract expired, may not be available until the third match of the campaign. Instead, the club are prioritising defender Martin, who is set to feature against Levante after Oriol Romeu’s departure freed space.

Barca are racing against time to complete registrations after adding summer signings Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford to their squad. Hansi Flick has already voiced frustration at the slow pace, wanting all players available as soon as possible. Szczesny and Roony Bardghji remain dependent on the exits of Pena and Hector Fort before their registrations can be finalised.

The 35-year-old re-signed for the Catalan giants after a successful half-season spell and is expected to compete for the No.1 spot. But he won’t feature until at least week three. Bardghji, meanwhile, is lined up for the senior squad rather than Barca Atletic, with the club informing La Liga to avoid any confusion.

The hold-up stems from squad management. Pena is close to a contract extension before being loaned out, while Fort, has interest from Aston Villa and could depart on loan or permanently. Only once both exits are complete will Barcelona have enough flexibility to register Szczesny and Bardghji.

Barcelona’s focus now is finalising the departures of Pena and Fort to free space for Szczesny and Bardghji. Until then, Flick will rely on Martín, who is set for his first-team inclusion against Levante. Szczesny’s competitive debut could come against Rayo Vallecano in matchday three.