Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick has made an unexpected decision by including an exit-linked player in the squad for the upcoming preseason tour to Japan and South Korea, set to begin on July 24, 2025.
With the club aiming to return to La Liga’s 1:1 financial fair play rule, Hansi Flick is tasked with trimming a bloated 35-player roster to a manageable 26 for the tour.
While prioritizing youth and new signings like Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia, Flick’s choice to retain this player, despite ongoing transfer speculation, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts.
The player in question is Iñaki Peña, a 26-year-old Spanish goalkeeper who has been heavily linked with a departure this summer.
Peña, currently fourth-choice behind Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczęsny, and potentially Marc-André ter Stegen, has struggled to secure regular minutes at Barcelona.
Despite his contract running until 2026, Peña is assessing his options, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, with no offers meeting his expectations thus far.
Flick’s decision to include him in the tour reflects Peña’s professionalism and commitment, even as his future remains uncertain.
Flick’s strategy appears to balance evaluating young talents like Jan Virgili and Roony Bardghji with maintaining squad depth during a critical preseason.
Peña’s inclusion could serve as a final opportunity to prove his worth or attract potential suitors, especially as Barcelona face goalkeeping uncertainties with ter Stegen’s possible exit.
As Barcelona prepare to face Vissel Kobe on July 27, Flick’s focus is on building a cohesive unit capable of defending their La Liga title.
Peña’s surprise inclusion highlights the German coach’s pragmatic approach, but it also underscores the club’s ongoing challenge to resolve their goalkeeping hierarchy and financial constraints before the transfer window closes in August.
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