Former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has made a stunning U-turn on his retirement to join Barcelona on a one-year deal.
The 34-year-old Poland international initially announced his retirement from professional football on August 27, 2024, but was quickly snapped up by Barcelona following an injury to their first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona were granted special permission by La Liga to sign Szczesny as a free agent due to Ter Stegen's extended absence, following a knee injury sustained in Barca's 5-1 win over Villarreal.
La Liga rules allow teams to sign players outside the transfer window to replace individuals expected to miss more than four months of action.