Iñaki Peña Set to Leave Barcelona as Goalkeeper Shake-Up Continues

Iñaki Peña is likely to leave Barcelona this summer. He has fallen down the club’s goalkeeping list. New signing Joan García and Wojciech Szczęsny’s contract extension mean Peña may not get much game time, so he’s planning his exit.

WHAT CHANGED AT BARCELONA?

Peña started the season as Barcelona‘s first-choice goalkeeper because of Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury. He was in good form, helping the team get crucial results. But the club added Szczęsny in the summer, and he quickly became Barca manager Hans Flick’s first choice. The Polish goalkeeper helped the club win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercup. With Szczęsny extending his contract until 2027 a previous report revealed, and Joan García coming in, Peña is third-choice and ready to move on for his career.

BIGGER IMPLICATIONS FOR CLUB AND PLAYER

Barcelona’s decision to strengthen their goalkeeping side comes as a part of their transition. Ter Stegen’s future is also uncertain amid his absence and transfer talk. For Peña, the club’s decision is a setback as he wanted to cement his long-term future at the club. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is at eight million euros, but Barcelona want a higher fee for their asset and could demand up to 30m euros. Several clubs are interested in the 26-year-old, with Celta Vigo and Galatasaray said to be among the possible destinations.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Peña has already informed Barcelona about his intention to leave this summer rather than staying until his contract expires in 2026. Negotiations could take place in the coming weeks, and as per the report, it is understood that the club want to quickly conclude his exit. Barcelona are currently rebuilding after winning the La Liga title last season; they finished nine points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Their opening fixture of the forthcoming season sees them go up against Mallorca, who finished mid-table and have bought former Barcelona player Pablo Torre. With their goalkeeping situation undergoing changes, Barca are expected to field a new-look squad on the opening day, while Peña looks set to start afresh at a new club.