A clear decision has been made by Barcelona’s management, led by Hansi Flick, regarding one of the club’s most promising young players, following a period of uncertainty surrounding his future. Despite being under contract, the German coach made a firm decision, marking the end of an era at Camp Nou and opening the door for a potential exit in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Iñaki Peña’s future with Barcelona is now fully determined. Hansi Flick has communicated his stance on the Spanish goalkeeper internally, informing the club’s management that he does not see Peña in his plans for next season. As a result, his departure is expected to be the first move for the Blaugrana in the summer market. Despite still being under contract, the goalkeeper has already started searching for a new destination where he can secure the playing time he lacked at Barcelona.
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All signs suggest that the recent match against Villarreal at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys was Peña’s final appearance for the club, although Flick has not made any official confirmation.
Peña’s season has been marked by fluctuations in the goalkeeping position. While he served as the starting goalkeeper during Ter Stegen’s injury—delivering reliable performances in several key fixtures—the dynamic shifted dramatically after Barcelona signed Wojciech Szczęsny. Flick chose to rely on the Polish goalkeeper’s experience in the decisive stages of the season, pushing Peña to the bench.
With Ter Stegen’s return to the starting lineup, Peña has now become the third-choice goalkeeper—an unsuitable situation for a 25-year-old aiming for stability and career development.
Just over a month ago, Peña changed his agent and signed with AC Talent, which represents several prominent Barcelona figures including Xavi Hernández, Héctor Fort, and Pablo Torre. This move was not coincidental; the goalkeeper had already begun planning his departure and looking for an opportunity that would allow him to grow.
Barcelona holds Peña’s commitment and professionalism in high regard and will not obstruct his departure. Both parties are working toward a mutually agreeable resolution—either a loan deal with a purchase option or a permanent transfer. As for Peña himself, he hopes to end his time at the club on a high note and finally get the chance to play and progress—something that now seems unlikely under Flick’s continued leadership.
