Barcelona Preparing to Offload Iñaki Peña as Goalkeeping Picture Evolves Rapidly
Barcelona are reportedly preparing to move on from goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, who just months ago was entrusted with guarding the posts at Camp Nou. Peña started the 2024/25 campaign as the club’s first-choice keeper in the absence of Marc-André ter Stegen, who underwent back surgery. Over the course of the first half of the season, Peña made 16 La Liga appearances, putting in steady, if unspectacular, performances that helped the team navigate a transitional phase.
However, circumstances have quickly shifted.
With the arrival of seasoned Polish international Wojciech Szczęsny, signed to bring experience and leadership during Ter Stegen’s recovery, Peña has been pushed to the bench. Szczęsny’s commanding presence and big-match pedigree have made him the preferred starter for Flick, and it now appears unlikely that Peña will regain his starting spot anytime soon.
The situation is further complicated by the emergence of Joan García, a highly rated young goalkeeper signed from Espanyol. Seen as a future cornerstone in goal for Barcelona, García is being integrated gradually, but the club views him as a long-term project with massive upside. Once Ter Stegen returns to full fitness, which is expected in the coming weeks, Peña will likely become the fourth-choice goalkeeper in the pecking order — a steep fall from where he stood just months earlier.
Barcelona’s financial reality adds another layer of urgency. With the club still facing challenges in meeting La Liga’s financial fair play regulations, selling players is a necessity in order to register new signings and manage wages. Peña, despite his demotion, remains one of the few assets with tangible market value. His exposure in top-flight matches and relatively young age make him an attractive option for clubs seeking a reliable shot-stopper with potential for growth.
As things stand, the writing seems to be on the wall: Barcelona are actively considering offers, and Peña’s departure looks increasingly likely — not necessarily due to a lack of quality, but simply because the club’s evolving priorities and financial limitations leave little room for a goalkeeper who no longer fits into the short- or long-term plans.
