With Joan Garcia set to arrive this summer, there will be a major shake-up in the goalkeeping department at FC Barcelona.
While question marks linger over the future of captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, what is certain is that Inaki Pena will be leaving the club this summer.
The 26-year-old La Masia graduate fell down the pecking order since January, with Hansi Flick opting to put his faith in Wojciech Szczesny as his starting goalkeeper when Ter Stegen was out injured.
Pena’s contract with Barça expires next year and both parties seem to have decided that they will part ways this summer.
Celta Vigo, Galatasaray make approach
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Pena is starting to receive offers from both La Liga and abroad, although no final decision has been made.
Among the clubs to have shown the most concrete interest are Celta Vigo and Galatasaray, both of whom have contacted the Barcelona goalkeeper to relay their interest.
What next for Inaki Pena? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Celta Vigo, who will take part in next season’s UEFA Europa League, are monitoring Pena’s situation closely and view him as a good fit for a young, ambitious squad.
Galatasaray, set to compete in the Champions League, are also in the market for a new goalkeeper to replace Fernando Muslera. The Turkish club hold Pena in high regard after his loan spell there in 2021/22 and have made no secret of their desire to bring him back.
Beyond the sporting aspects, family considerations will also a role in Pena’s decision. He recently became a father, and the possibility of staying in Spain is an important factor.
While nothing has been finalised yet, the option of joining Celta is being considered seriously – though other possibilities remain open.
Sevilla and Valencia have also shown interest, but both clubs are dealing with difficult circumstances and have not made any moves as of yet.
Pena, for his part, is aware that his salary at Barcelona will be hard to match elsewhere. Still, his priority is to find a project that suits him both professionally and personally as he prepares to take the next step in his career.