La Masia product finds himself at a crossroads in his career after his game time has been cut drastically this season.
The goalkeeper, who performed admirably when given a chance last season, has fallen behind after recent squad reshuffles and now faces a make-or-break decision to make this summer.
Having begun life as the reliable standby option, the shot-stopper enjoyed an extended period in the first team when the first-choice keeper was laid low by a long-term injury.
The January signing by the club of an established international and the manager’s recent penchant for playing the new signing, however, has seen the home-grown hero with limited opportunities for regular action.
According to reporter Jordi Cardero, the player is Iñaki Peña, is putting himself in the driver’s seat by finalizing the transfer to new representation with AC Talent, the agency run by Arturo Canales.
The transfer is six weeks before the opening of the transfer window, a clear indication that he is getting himself ready for a potential summer exit.
Peña’s new firm is a roster of present-day Barcelona stars such as Pablo Torre and Héctor Fort, along with former Blaugrana greats Riqui Puig and Gerard Piqué.
The 25-year-old was previously with Wakai Sports but decided to switch after an in-house restructuring at the company.
With Marc-André ter Stegen set to come back from injury and new signing Wojciech Szczęsny taking over the first-choice goalkeeper spot, Peña would be the third-choice goalkeeper in the Hansi Flick system.
Having his contract expire in 2026 and Barcelona’s policy of releasing players in their final year, a summer transfer is more probable than not for the La Masia academy graduate.
The next few months are going to prove pivotal to his career as he strives for regular first-team football during a pivotal part of his career development.
The change of agent indicates he is gearing up for the next phase, with multiple clubs set to be keen to sign a high-quality keeper with a Barcelona background.
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