A Barcelona star, struggling for game time, is on the verge of a move to a newly promoted La Liga side, offering a fresh start for the player and financial relief for the club.
According to Mundo Deportivo, negotiations are in their final stages, with the deal expected to be sealed early this week, well before the transfer window closes on September 1.
The move is set to provide the player with valuable playing time while aiding Barcelona’s squad and financial planning.
The player in question is Inaki Pena, the 26-year-old shot-stopper who has found opportunities limited at Barcelona.
Pena’s agent, Fernando Solanas, recently met with sporting director Deco, securing a contract renewal before finalizing a loan move to Elche.
This arrangement allows Barcelona to register Wojciech Szczesny as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia, easing financial fair play constraints.
While clubs like Como and Celta Vigo showed interest earlier, Elche emerged as the frontrunner, offering Pena a chance to return closer to home.
Elche’s appeal lies in both familiarity and trust.
The club’s coach, Eder Sarabia, who previously worked with Pena as Quique Setien’s assistant at Barcelona, played a pivotal role in convincing the goalkeeper to join.
This connection, coupled with the promise of regular minutes in a competitive La Liga environment, made Elche the ideal destination.
For Pena, the loan represents an opportunity to showcase his abilities after being overshadowed at the Camp Nou.
For Barcelona, the move is a strategic win. Retaining control over Pena’s future through his contract renewal ensures long-term flexibility, while the loan frees up space for squad adjustments under Hansi Flick.
With the deal nearing completion, Pena’s departure is poised to benefit all parties, providing him with a platform to shine and Barcelona with the room to integrate new talent, all while strengthening ties with a rising La Liga side.
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