FC Barcelona may be on the verge of finally letting go of their backup goalkeeper after working hard to finalize Inaki Pena’s loan exit.
The 26-year-old has no place in Hansi Flick’s plans for the season because Wojciech Szczesny and new recruit Joan Garcia are higher up the hierarchy than him. With one year remaining on his contract, Barcelona had originally intended to let him go for free, but they have subsequently altered their minds. According to yesterday’s news, Pena will now sign a three-year contract extension through 2029 before going on loan for the season.
Inaki Pena To Join Elche
Additionally, Pena will spend the remainder of the season with Elche, a recently promoted La Liga team, according to the trustworthy Matteo Moretto. Given that other, more well-known teams were interested in the Barcelona goalkeeper, the development is a little surprising.
Celta Vigo has long had their sights set on Pena, but they must first create way for a newcomer. Interest was also acknowledged to Girona. It was also very much on the table for him to move to Italy, where Como, led by Cesc Fabregas, was pressing for him. Pena would have to battle for minutes and would not be the club’s clear number one.
However, the 26-year-old La Masia alumnus desired to sign with a squad that would allow him to play consistently at a high level. It might have been a major factor in the Barcelona native’s decision to join Elche instead.
Although more information on the transfer is still pending, it currently looks as though Pena will play for the La Liga newcomers. As Barcelona rushes to finish their outstanding player registrations, his departure might create more room on the Fair Play front.