The team is now focusing on a crucial La Liga match against Osasuna in the 27th round, aiming to extend their lead at the top before facing Benfica again in the second leg of the Champions League.
Reports from Spanish newspaper *El Nacional* suggest that Iñaki Peña’s future at Barcelona is coming to an end. Sources close to the club indicate that Hansi Flick has little faith in the Spanish goalkeeper, believing he lacks the necessary quality to compete at Barcelona’s level. As a result, Deco, the club’s sporting director, is actively exploring options for the goalkeeper, with several possibilities already on the table.
Peña had the chance to prove himself following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury early in the season, but his performances failed to convince either the coach or the management. While the young goalkeeper showed some flashes of potential, critical mistakes in important matches revealed that he isn’t yet ready to be the first-choice keeper for a title-contending team.
The arrival of Wojciech Szczęsny was a clear sign of Barcelona’s diminishing confidence in Peña. The experienced Polish goalkeeper, who has played for top clubs like Juventus and Arsenal, has quickly become the team’s first choice, leaving Peña with a secondary role. Flick, who values security and experience in key positions, has stated that Peña is not a viable option for the medium or long term.
Despite Peña’s solid performances during previous loan spells, including a successful stint at Galatasaray, his time at Barcelona appears to be over. While the club appreciates his contributions, the demands of competing at the highest level mean tough decisions must be made.
For Peña, this situation presents an opportunity to restart his career. At 26, he still has room for growth and may find a chance to play regularly at another club, where he can gain the experience and confidence needed to continue his development.
