One of the primary objectives for Barcelona this summer is move on several players that are not counted on by Hansi Flick. Funds must be raised in order for their desired signings to be made, although they are unlikely to receive any transfer fee when Inaki Pena departs in the coming weeks.
Inaki has returned to Barcelona following his loan spell at Elche, with whom he played 16 times during the 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old is already aware that he is not counted on by Flick, and thus, preparations are already being made for him to leave during the upcoming transfer window.
Pena has already informed Barcelona that he wants his future resolved before pre-season starts next month, and according to Sport, there are good chances for this to be the case. He’s already received proposals from Panathinaikos and Feyenoord, with both clubs eyeing him as a summer market opportunity.
Barcelona expect Pena to leave for free – but with a catch
Inaki Pena of Elche CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and Elche CF at Ciutat de Valencia on January 23, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
According to the report, Barcelona have been hoping to receive a fee for Pena’s exit, but these hopes are fading. Instead, they have resigned themselves to him departing for free, albeit they would retain a sell-on clause, which would become active in the event of a future sale.
For his squad role, Pena has a very high salary, which is why Barcelona are desperate to get him off the books. It’s also why they are prepared to not collect a transfer fee, with the most important thing being that his salary is freed up, which will make it easier for new signings to be registered with La Liga for the 2026-27 season and beyond.
It’ll be interesting to see where Pena ends up, but what’s certain is that he will no longer be a Barcelona player. He played 45 times for the first team during his time in Catalonia, but this number will not be added to.