5 Players Bid Farewell to Barcelona in the Match Against Athletic Bilbao

As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 season, FC Barcelona is not only wrapping up a campaign of highs and lows but also preparing to say goodbye to several players who have shared this journey. The final La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés is expected to be more than just a routine match — it will be a night of emotions, memories, and heartfelt farewells.

Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, Barcelona experienced a rejuvenation this season. The German tactician has brought a fresh approach and a renewed sense of purpose to the club. While the team has shown progress on many fronts, change is inevitable, and several squad members are now facing their final moments as Blaugrana players.

One of the most notable names on the departure list is Wojciech Szczęsny. The Polish goalkeeper was brought in unexpectedly last October, coaxed out of retirement in a moment of need for the Catalan side. Although he helped steady the ship during a difficult period, Szczęsny has made it clear that continuing will not be an easy decision. Despite receiving a renewal offer, he revealed that he and his wife are deeply reflecting on whether it’s time to return to the calm of post-retirement life. His role as a backup to Marc-André ter Stegen is a significant factor influencing this decision.

Szczęsny is unlikely to take the pitch against Athletic Club, with Ter Stegen expected to guard the posts once again. The German goalkeeper’s recent return from injury has reshuffled the hierarchy in the squad, leaving Szczęsny’s future up in the air.

Another goalkeeper preparing to leave is Iñaki Peña. His exit, while not yet official, appears to be one of the most clear-cut among the squad. After spending the first half of the season as the starting goalkeeper due to Ter Stegen’s injury, Peña eventually lost his place to Szczęsny in January. Despite his long-standing association with the club — having joined La Masia in 2013 — Peña now seems poised to continue his journey elsewhere, potentially within Spain. His contract runs until 2026, but he is expected to explore a new challenge this summer.

This year has been an emotional rollercoaster for Peña. The passing of his father and the birth of his child created a season filled with personal milestones. Though he may feature in the second half of the Bilbao match, his farewell will be quiet yet significant.

Next on the list is Ansu Fati, once hailed as the next big thing at Barcelona. Unfortunately, injuries and a lack of consistent form have hindered his progress. Despite receiving opportunities under Flick, Fati has struggled to make a lasting impression. The match against Athletic may serve as his final outing for the club, and all signs point toward a permanent transfer in the summer. While he is under contract until 2027, Barcelona are reportedly open to letting him go for free if needed to offload his wages and move on from a difficult chapter.

The case of Pablo Torre is another reflection of the depth and competition within the Barcelona midfield. Torre showed promise, especially early in the season, but the second half of the campaign saw him fade into the background. With limited appearances in 2025, his future appears to lie elsewhere. Barcelona is exploring the possibility of either loaning him out — with a contract renewal — or selling him permanently, as his current deal expires in 2026.

Despite not featuring much recently, Torre remains a talented prospect who could still develop into a top player, albeit perhaps away from Camp Nou. Flick is likely to grant him a few final minutes at San Mamés as a token of appreciation.

Pau Víctor is another player whose departure seems almost inevitable. The hard-working forward has impressed during training and maintained a strong attitude throughout the season. Nevertheless, he hasn’t managed to break into Flick’s plans consistently. With a contract lasting until 2029, a loan move seems the most probable route for the young striker. He is expected to start against Bilbao, giving him a chance to showcase his potential one last time in a Barcelona shirt.

The departure of these players marks the beginning of a transitional phase for Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s first season has set the tone for the future, but tough decisions must be made to reshape the squad according to his vision. The exits of Szczęsny, Peña, Fati, Torre, and Pau Víctor reflect both a need to evolve and the natural lifecycle of a football team.

Emotions will be high at San Mamés as these players don the Barcelona shirt for potentially the final time. For fans, it will be a bittersweet evening — saying goodbye to familiar faces, while also looking forward to what’s next.

The summer transfer window will be crucial for Deco and the club’s board as they aim to strengthen the squad while managing outgoings efficiently. Barcelona will have to balance experience with youth and continue shaping a team that can challenge on all fronts next season.

This match isn’t just a season finale — it’s the end of an era for several players who have contributed to Barcelona’s story in recent years. Whether as starters, backups, or emerging prospects, each of them leaves behind memories that will be cherished by fans and teammates alike.

While farewells are never easy, they are often the beginning of new adventures. For these five players, the San Mamés pitch may well be the stage of their last Barcelona act, but their journeys are far from over.

As the final whistle blows, a new chapter awaits — for Barcelona and for those who are moving on.