Barcelona is currently enjoying a strong run of form, particularly after reclaiming the top spot in La Liga. The Catalan giants are leading the table on goal difference, edging out arch-rivals Real Madrid. However, despite the team’s success, not everyone at the club is content with their situation.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, one Barcelona player has grown increasingly frustrated with his role and has begun contemplating his future. In fact, he is now seriously considering leaving the club at the end of the season due to his dissatisfaction.
The player in question is Iñaki Peña, the team’s backup goalkeeper. Peña was given a golden opportunity to establish himself as the first-choice keeper following Marc-André ter Stegen’s significant knee injury. After struggling under Xavi Hernández last season, he was eager to prove his worth.
However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse when he arrived late to a pre-match meeting ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. As a result, he lost his starting spot, falling out of favor with head coach Hansi Flick.
Flick took disciplinary action against Peña, demoting him to the bench. Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny, who was brought in as a temporary replacement, has impressed the coaching staff with his experience and consistency. Under Szczesny’s command, Barcelona has remained undefeated, reinforcing Flick’s decision to keep him as the preferred option in goal.
Given the positive impact of the Polish goalkeeper, Flick is unlikely to alter his selection, and Szczesny is expected to remain the starter for the rest of the season.
Peña has come to terms with the reality that his chances of reclaiming the starting position are slim, especially under Flick’s leadership. This realization has led to a breakdown in contract renewal talks with Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
His current deal runs until June 2026, but with his future uncertain, there is a growing possibility that he could seek a move away in the summer transfer window.
The young goalkeeper firmly believes he deserved to be Barcelona’s number one, but with the looming return of Ter Stegen and potential new signings, his role is unlikely to change. Consequently, several clubs have taken notice of his situation and may soon make efforts to secure his services for the upcoming season.
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