Here's a plan to get rid of Wojciech Szczęsny's rival. All it takes is one move

• More information can be found in Przegląd Sportowy Onet

Fans are already excited about Tuesday's hit in the Copa del Rey. FC Barcelona have a very difficult task ahead of them to eliminate Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. Despite Robert Lewandowski's weaker performance and Lamine Yamal's problems, the Spanish press believes that Hansi Flick will still choose both stars. "Wojciech Szczęsny is untouchable for Flick," adds "Mundo Deportivo." This sentence fits not only the topic of goalkeeping in the upcoming match, but also in the context of the future.

The German coach is soon to extend his contract with Barcelona and enjoys a lot of trust from Joan Laporta and his team. As a result, the coach's position in Catalonia is exceptionally strong. The 60-year-old already has a plan for the goalkeepers for next season.

Deco is said to have already learned of Flick's decision. "Sport" reports that the sports director was told which goalkeeper is to be crossed out. Next season, the two goalkeepers competing for the first team are to be Szczęsny and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"In the new year, Szczęsny found himself in the squad and, despite a series of high-profile mistakes, by the end of January the former Polish international had secured first place in all competitions," adds the Football-Espana.net journalist. It turns out that Inaki Pena has huge problems in such a situation.

Szczęsny's attitude has meant that the Barcelona graduate is on his way out. After dream weeks with opportunities to play for Blaugrana, the Spaniard could suddenly end up at another club.

"The last few months have put a bit of a strain on Flick's relationship with Pena. Flick will also have to make a decision this season, as ter Stegen is reportedly due to return to health in April," we read.

To fulfill the German's plan, an extension of Szczęsny's contract is still needed. According to many sources, this is very likely, although initially the Pole came to the team with other intentions. The 34-year-old's signature on the contract means the end of Peni in Barcelona.

"The La Masia graduate has been at Barcelona since his teens but his contract expires in 2026 and contract talks have been postponed as Szczęsny has replaced him as number one," journalist Ruairdh Barlow recalls.

If the German goalkeeper is indeed ready to play this spring, Szczęsny will have to be removed from the competition list to play in the Champions League. Under Article 31.14, he could lose his place in the Barcelona squad.

"If a club is unable to count on the services of at least two goalkeepers registered on List A due to long-term injury or illness, it may temporarily replace the goalkeeper in question and register a new one at any time during the season. An injury or illness is considered long-term if it lasts at least 30 days from the day on which the injury or illness occurred. If the goalkeeper recovers before the end of that match of the 30-day period, the player must, however, remain off List A until the end of that period," reads the regulations on the UEFA website.