Barcelona to lose 26-year-old with 20 starts for free

Barcelona Facing Criticism for Transfer Market Performance

In recent years, Barcelona has come under fire for their perceived inability to generate significant revenue in the transfer market. This criticism stems from the departure of several players at seemingly low prices. The latest talent from La Masia rumored to be leaving the club without making a substantial financial impact is goalkeeper Inaki Pena.

Inaki Pena’s Impending Departure

The speculation surrounding Inaki Pena’s exit has been circulating for some time. Talks for a new contract were initiated by Director of Football Deco in January as a recognition of Pena’s performances filling in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, negotiations were put on hold when Wojciech Szczesny was appointed as the number one goalkeeper, leading to Pena’s decision to leave Barcelona this summer. With Szczesny and ter Stegen ahead of him in the pecking order, Pena’s playing opportunities would be limited.

Interest from Other Clubs

Clubs such as Real Betis, Celta Vigo, and former loan club Galatasaray have shown interest in acquiring Pena, whose contract expires in 2026. While it was expected that Pena would be available at a reduced price, reports suggest that Barcelona has resigned to the fact that they may not receive a transfer fee for him and are prepared to let him go for free in the upcoming transfer window.

Comparison with Real Madrid

The situation with Inaki Pena draws parallels with Real Madrid’s handling of Andriy Lunin. Despite knowing that Lunin was likely to seek new opportunities this summer, Real Madrid successfully convinced him to sign a new five-year contract. Real Madrid is now aiming to secure a transfer fee of over €20m for the Ukrainian goalkeeper, who is the same age as Pena.

While Lunin may have a higher market value due to his impressive performances last season, Pena showcased his abilities with standout saves against Real Madrid in recent Clasicos, highlighting his potential and attracting interest from various clubs.