Iñaki Peña Signs New Barcelona Deal and Closes in on Loan Move to Elche

Iñaki Peña will stay with Barcelona after signing a three-year contract. He’s about to join Elche on loan as both clubs work on final paperwork.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona and Elche are double-checking the documents to finalize goalkeeper Iñaki Peña‘s loan move. Peña, now 26, extended his contract with Barcelona until June 2029 before moving to Elche. As previously reported, Iñaki Peña likely intends to leave Barcelona this summer, prompting this transfer.

This helps Barcelona make financial room to register new signing Szczesny as their backup goalkeeper behind Joan García. Elche’s coach Eder Sarabia played a key role in convincing Peña because of their previous connection at Barcelona.

They expect the transfer to be completed soon, well before the September 1 deadline. Peña’s agent and Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, confirmed the details in a meeting this week, bringing the process closer to completion.

WHY IT MATTERS FOR BARCELONA AND ELCHE

This season, Barcelona are top in LaLiga along with Real Madrid and Villarreal, the only three teams to win their two opening matches. Joan García has taken over as the starting keeper, and the arrival of Szczesny as backup means Peña needed regular minutes elsewhere to continue his development.

Peña featured in 7 games for Barcelona last season, keeping 3 clean sheets and showing promise, but chances for regular starts were limited. Elche, meanwhile, are fighting for survival in LaLiga, and have drawn their two opening matches. The signing of Peña offers a boost in quality and experience for their defensive rebuild as they aim to remain in the top flight.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After the loan is confirmed, Peña will compete for a starting spot at Elche. Their next match is against Levante, another team that gained promotion last season, with both sides needing points. For Barcelona, clearing space in the squad and registering Szczesny strengthens their bench for their title chase. Their next fixture is against Rayo Vallecano.

If Peña performs well at Elche, he could return to Barcelona next season as a stronger candidate for the first team.