One position in the squad that needs sorting out from a Barcelona perspective is the goalkeeping department.
The Catalan club have too many options in the squad in that one position. Joan Garcia is the incumbent number one, but beyond that, no one’s future is set in stone.
Wojciech Szczesny is expected to continue as the deputy next season as things stand. Youngsters like Diego Kochen and Aron Yaakobishvili are likely to be loaned out for regular game time.
Club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen no longer features in Hansi Flick’s plans and the club want to secure an exit for him.
That leaves Inaki Pena. The 27-year-old’s career seems to be going nowhere, with his loan spell to Elche not really working out.
Inaki Pena of Elche
What next for Pena? (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona are advancing the departure of Inaki Pena. The Spaniard has firm interest from Panathinaikos and Feyenoord.
Barcelona would prefer to receive a transfer fee, but the most likely formula is now a free exit while keeping future rights on the player.
That structure would not be ideal, but it would be understandable. Pena has not gone on to develop as expected and it would be difficult to get a good fee for him.
Barça look for a clean solution
From the club’s point of view, the priority is simple: avoid carrying a goalkeeper who has no sporting pathway and find a solution that gives everyone clarity before preseason.
Pena has been patient with Barcelona over the years, but his career now needs regular football. At 27, he cannot afford another season built around uncertainty.
Panathinaikos and Feyenoord are sensible markets for him. Both would offer a different challenge, European visibility and the possibility of a more important role than the one waiting for him at Barcelona.
Future rights could soften the blow
Inaki Pena, FC Barcelona goalkeeper
Transfer fee unlikely. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Barcelona would obviously prefer a fee. The club still need income wherever they can find it, and losing a homegrown goalkeeper for free is never the cleanest piece of business.
However, if no club are willing to pay a meaningful amount, keeping future rights may be the smarter compromise. A sell-on clause or similar formula would allow Barça to benefit if Pena rebuilds his value and moves again later.
That matters because goalkeepers can develop later than outfield players. Pena may still have a strong career ahead of him if he finds the right club, rhythm and confidence.
Pena’s exit would not be a dramatic departure, but it would be a logical one. He still has time on his side to develop in his career and it remains to be seen how things play out.