FC Barcelona is a true giant, with few clubs generating such interest in Europe and worldwide. Over the years, "Blaugrana" has attracted some of the greatest players in football history, including Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Leo Messi. Today, the leader of the "Pride of Catalonia" is Robert Lewandowski. His arrival in 2022 was a major event for Polish football. Now, all eyes are on the transfer of Wojciech Szczęsny, who had announced his retirement in August but decided to return to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Poles as the Backbone of FC Barcelona
For years, Lewandowski and Szczęsny have been pillars of the Polish national team, and now they will be two of the most important players at FC Barcelona. This is something that could have only been dreamed of until now.
The injury to the German goalkeeper opened the door for Szczęsny's return from sporting retirement. From the beginning, Hansi Flick favored Szczęsny when the club began searching for a quality goalkeeper for this season. He instructed the club to prioritize negotiations with the Pole. Lewandowski was reportedly involved in the process, and the talks went smoothly. Soon, this Polish duo will be writing a unique chapter in Barcelona’s history as the largest group of non-Spanish players.
"Blaugrana" has a history of finding exceptional talents from South America, Africa, and Western Europe, who often form large groups of foreign players in the squad. Currently, however, there are only seven foreign players on Barcelona’s roster: the aforementioned ter Stegen (Germany), Ronald Araujo (Uruguay), Andreas Christensen (Denmark), Jules Kounde (France), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands), Raphinha (Brazil), and Lewandowski. There are no players from England, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, or even Argentina. After Szczęsny’s arrival, Poland will have the largest representation.
Had Barcelona not loaned out Vitor Roque and Clement Lenglet, they would have had two Brazilians and two Frenchmen. If they hadn’t terminated Ilkay Gundogan’s contract, they would have had two German players. The rest of the squad is made up of Spanish players.
Poles will be the largest group of foreign players at Barcelona until the end of this season. Szczęsny's contract will be short-term, and he is expected to sign it next week.
Barcelona’s next match is on Saturday, where they will play away against Osasuna in Pamplona.
