Iñaki Peña has passed the double test he had ahead of him with flying colors. The goalkeeper, a Barça youth player, has only conceded one goal in the games against Bayern and Real Madrid, having a great level in both matches and proving that he can be a starter. Laporta witnessed it twice from the stands and in El Clásico he finally made the decision: he is staying, there will be no transfer or sale.
There were doubts about Iñaki Peña at Barça. That's why Szczęsny arrived after Ter Stegen's injury. But the reality is that the Alicante native has performed wonderfully, showing that he can be important during the season.
In El Clásico, Iñaki was alert at all times, moving forward against Barcelona's very advanced defensive line. As if that were not enough, when they came to him he knew how to respond wonderfully, making several outstanding saves against the man who has been called the best footballer in the world, Kylian Mbappé.
He didn't only do it perfectly with his hands, but also with his feet. Iñaki Peña was moving the ball well, facilitating his teammates' defensive exits and performing perfectly against Real Madrid. In El Clásico he had a match worthy of Ter Stegen, his mentor, who couldn't have been happier with his performance.
In the Barça dressing room they know how important this match against Real Madrid was for Peña. As soon as the final whistle blew, all his teammates went up to him to congratulate him, he had a great game.
Laporta decides: Iñaki Peña has the level, but transfer is ruled out
Barcelona are delighted with Iñaki Peña's performance. Any money that can be saved is welcome. As long as the Alicante native continues to respond like this, there will be no transfer: he has the capacity to become Ter Stegen's replacement, even though the machinery has been activated to find him a replacement.
There has been a lot of talk about the new arrival Szczęsny or even Diogo Costa from Porto for the future. The reality is this: as long as he continues to play and perform well, Barcelona's goalkeeper will be Iñaki Peña, a youth player and Barça player.
Laporta has a dream with this Barça: a starting eleven full of youth players. In goal, he has it easy, the chosen one is Iñaki Peña. Many criticised Flick for ensuring his starting position against Bayern and Madrid, but time has proved him right.