Two European clubs have emerged as frontrunners to sign Barcelona sidelined academy graduate, as the player’s future is uncertain.
While captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains uncertain about what his future holds, at least one goalkeeper is confirmed to leave, with two clubs reportedly interested in the goalkeeper.
According to Mundo Deportivo, two clubs, both Celta Vigo in La Liga and Turkish giants Galatasaray, have already made contact with the player and offered him a new beginning, with his contract ending in 2026.
The player in question is Inaki Pena, a 26-year-old La Masia product who has last been used back in January.
During ter Stegen’s injury absence, Inaki Pena has seen Hansi Flick prefer keeping Wojciech Szczesny as the starting keeper, meaning that Pena hasn’t played in such a long time.
Acknowledging that Pena’s contract was set to expire in the summer, it was mutually agreed by the player and club to agree to go their separate ways this summer.
Celta Vigo will compete in the UEFA Europa League and will see Pena as an excellent signing to their driven, young, and ambitious.
Galatasaray will view Pena as a potential successor to Fernando Muslera while preparing for their own Champions League.
This would be a good time to sign Pena, as he previously spent a successful loan there during the 2021/22 season.
Pena’s decision will depend on both professional and personal circumstances, especially as a new father looking for family stability.
Staying in Spain with Celta Vigo, where he has strong local ties, is a possibility, but the allure of Galatasaray’s European pedigree could entice him.
Sevilla and Valencia have also shown interest, but stunted is probably a kind description of their situations.
While Pena is aware it will be tough to match his Barcelona salary elsewhere, his thoughts are focused on the search for a project that offers personal growth and career stability.
As nothing is finalized, Pena’s position remains open, but both Celta and Galatasaray provide fruitful options for the goalkeeper to potentially revitalize his career.
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