'That's why he's No.1' - Hansi Flick hints at Wojciech Szczesny stay at Barcelona as Galatasaray plot bid for backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena

The Polish shot-stopper played a crucial role in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday. Despite Pau Cubarsí receiving an early red card in the 22nd minute, Barca held firm, thanks largely to Szczesny’s outstanding performance, making eight saves to secure his eighth clean sheet in 14 matches.

Flick was full of praise for the 35-year-old goalkeeper, stating that his performance justified why he is currently the team’s first-choice.

"It's his job, I'll put it like that. The other 10 players defended very well against eleven, but of course he helped us a lot. It's his job. That's why, at the moment, he's number one," Flick told reporters.

The German coach also revealed that he was confident Szczesny would reach this level when he decided to bring him out of retirement as cover for Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury.

"When you see players who you know how they played before and you see them in training, you get a feeling. I'm not the only one who decides. I have a great staff around me and we talk a lot about the performance of the players and what they can contribute. That's how we run the team. It was clear to me that he could get here. So were the other coaches. It's not a one-man decision. I decided things, but I always want to know what others think."

With Szczesny flourishing, the future of Inaki Pena has become uncertain. The 25-year-old Spanish goalkeeper was previously Ter Stegen’s backup but has now fallen further down the pecking order. His current contract runs until June 2026, but he now finds himself as Barcelona’s third-choice option behind Szczesny and Ter Stegen. This situation has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe, with Galatasaray reportedly leading the race to sign him.

According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, Galatasaray view Pena as the ideal replacement for Fernando Muslera, who is expected to return to Uruguayan football after spending over a decade as the club’s first choice goalkeeper.

Despite growing interest from other clubs, Pena is not currently looking for an exit from Camp Nou. While Barcelona have yet to initiate discussions about extending his contract, sources close to the club suggest that he remains committed to working hard in training and fighting for his place. However, if Szczesny extends his stay and Ter Stegen returns from injury, the Spaniard may have to reconsider his future if he wants more first-team opportunities.

Barcelona will be back in action against Osasuna on Saturday evening in La Liga before hosting Benfica in the second leg in the Champions League on Tuesday.