MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Inaki Pena of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Barcelona star Inaki Pena is at a decisive moment in his career. At 26 years of age, the goalkeeper formed at La Masia does not have a place in the Blaugrana’s immediate plans under Hansi Flick.
Unless there is a surprise, he will leave the club during the current summer transfer window, with the Catalans only waiting to complete Wojciech Szczesny’s registration before they let go of the Spaniard.
Now, according to Fichajes, Barcelona’s local rivals Girona are weighing up a late move for Inaki Pena before the transfer window closes.
Girona’s interest appears as a real and logical option for the 26-year-old. The Montilivi club has identified weaknesses in its goalkeeping department following errors by Paulo Gazzaniga at the start of the league campaign that compromised results.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 11: Inaki Pena of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Inaki Pena is expected to leave. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Aware of the need for a more reliable option to remain competitive at the top end of the table, Girona’s management sees Pena as a secure reinforcement, thanks to his experience at Barcelona and the ability to perform in matches of maximum demand.
For Pena, a move to Girona would mean the chance to become a protagonist again. At Montilivi, he could find an environment where he could grow with continuity, compete for the starting role, and reaffirm his place in Spanish football’s elite.
With the transfer market advancing, Pena’s situation is expected to be resolved soon. Although early plans suggested that Barcelona aim to transfer him permanently, it has recently been suggested that the Catalans could renew his contract and loan him out.
Como in Italy have been working to sign the La Masia product, but Girona have now presented themselves as an option for the shot-stopper.