Barcelona’s summer rebuild is starting to take shape under Hansi Flick as Joan Garcia edges closer to sealing his switch from Espanyol.
With that deal nearly wrapped up, the Catalan club’s goalkeeping department is set for a major overhaul.
There are still some internal doubts regarding the future of current captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, though no concrete developments have emerged on that front.
Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny is expected to stay at the club for at least another season after stepping in when Ter Stegen was sidelined.
All signs now point to a key departure between the sticks, and it’s one that’s been a long time coming.
Barcelona’s backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena looks set to leave the club this summer after slipping further down the pecking order under Flick.
The 26-year-old La Masia graduate has found himself frozen out of the first-team picture, with Szczesny preferred during Ter Stegen’s injury absence earlier this year.
Pena’s contract at Barça runs until 2026, but mutual agreement has reportedly been reached to facilitate a summer exit.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard is now attracting interest from multiple clubs across Europe, with two sides leading the chase.
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Celta Vigo, who qualified for the Europa League, have made initial contact and view Inaki Pena as the ideal profile for their young and ambitious squad.
Turkish giants Galatasaray are also keen on bringing him back after a successful loan spell during the 2021/22 campaign.
Galatasaray are preparing for Champions League football and are seeking a long-term successor to veteran Fernando Muslera.
Pena is seriously considering both offers, though the chance to remain in Spain with a growing family may give Celta a slight edge.
Valencia and Sevilla have shown interest too, but financial constraints have delayed any concrete moves.
Ultimately, Pena’s next destination will depend on a combination of personal and professional factors – with salary expectations, family life, and sporting ambition all playing a role.
Barcelona, for their part, are ready to let him go as the overhaul continues.
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