For Wojciech Szczesny, the allure of Barcelona seems too strong to resist.
The former Poland and Arsenal goalkeeper retired in August 2024 saying it felt right to leave the game to focus on his family, adding his heart was no longer in the game.
But, according to reports, he is to link up with the La Liga leaders after an injury for first-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
«I understand the difficult situation that has arisen for them after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s injury and I think it would be disrespectful of me not to consider this option,» Szczesny told Spanish news outlet Sport on Thursday.
«I have a lot of respect for Barca’s history, it is one of the best clubs in the world.»
Ter Stegen had surgery after rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee during a 5-1 win over Villarreal at the weekend.
Szczesny is reported to be having a medical before signing a short-term deal, although it remains unclear whether he will be in the squad to play Osasuna on Saturday (20:00 BST).
However, his addition would ease goalkeeper concerns as manager Hansi Flick is left with only 25-year-old reserve keeper Inaki Pena.
Flick said after the win over Getafe: «I only speak of the players we have in the team. Inaki Pena is our number one goalkeeper and I’m happy. This is what it’s worth.
«We have Inaki Pena who is 25 years old but the rest of the goalkeepers are very young, so if something happens we have to have experience.»