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Barcelona are prepared to release 26-year-old goalkeeper Inaki Pena on a free transfer, even though he has another year left on his contract. According to a report from SPORT (via Barca Universal), this decision has arisen from Pena ending up as the third-ranked goalkeeper in the squad.
He has lost his place to Wojciech Szczesny, who was signed on a free transfer late last year, when Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a long-term injury. Pena had a brief stint between the sticks for the Blaugrana, but he did not impress Hansi Flick enough, and Szczesny's emergence was enough to sideline the 26-year-old.
Next season, Ter Stegen is widely expected to return to full fitness as the undisputed No. 1 for Barcelona. Szczesny will likely continue in his role as the German shot-stopper's deputy, opening the door for Inaki Pena's exit from the squad.
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With Pena now surplus to requirements, the report has claimed that the club are prepared to release him for free, rather than sell him for a transfer fee. However, this may require mutual acknowledgement from the goalkeeper, who may not be too pleased with his dimmed importance under Hansi Flick this season.
It is worth noting that the 26-year-old has been a regular part of Barcelona's history over recent years. He grew through the youth setup since 2012 and joined the first team in 2022, where he often deputized for Ter Stegen. However, his time in Catalonia seems to be at an end.
Barcelona enter contract negotiation snag with Ballon d'Or contender
Barcelona have failed to come to an agreeable terms for contract extension with 2025 Ballon d'Or contender Raphinha. The 28-year-old winger is reportedly dissatisfied with the most recently proposed terms for a renewal, according to a report from Football Espana.
He has enjoyed a stellar season with the Blaugrana, racking up an astonishing return of 30 goals and 23 assists in merely 49 appearances. It is no surprise that Barca wish to tie him down for longer, but their offer has fallen short.
They were looking to extend his contract, which ends in 2027, by one year, with an additional optional year. However, Raphinha is not interested in this 1+1 type of extension, as he expects to be offered the stability that comes with two years upfront. Barcelona will need to submit new terms in the coming weeks.
