Wojciech Szczesny is set to sign for Barcelona in the next few hours. The veteran Polish goalkeeper, 34, is expected to land in Catalonia either late on Sunday or early Monday before signing a contract with the club.

According to the club and, as several Polish media and journalists also point out, the goalkeeper, who retired this past summer, will join the Blaugrana imminently. His incorporation into the team, however, will not be so quick, as he must regain his fitness and, above all, his competitive rhythm.

Szczesny hung up his gloves a few months ago, when he ended his career with Juventus, where he had spent the last nine seasons. The international break in a couple of weeks’ time will help him adapt and get up to speed.

The serious injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who on Monday underwent surgery on the right knee that he injured at Villarreal, forced the club to look for an experienced goalkeeper to compete with Inaki Pena this season, with the German ruled out for the remainder of the season.

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Talks and negotiations have been swift between Barcelona and Robert Lewandowski‘s compatriot and friend. The former Arsenal player will sign for a single season. The goalkeeper also knows that Hansi Flick has given his confidence to Inaki Pena, so he is not guaranteed a starting place.

Barcelona‘s plans are that Szczesny will arrive in Barcelona in the next few hours and is expected to watch the Champions League match against Young Boys live at Montjuic on Tuesday. It is unclear whether he will be presented in front of the fans.