Bombshell in the transfer market, Iñaki Peña is very close to signing for one of the teams most hated by Barça fans.
The decision has caused surprise, anger, and a sense of betrayal. This is not just any signing. It's a wound to the Culer pride.
Espanyol looks for a goalkeeper… after losing Joan García
Everything started with an unexpected move. Barça signed Joan García, until now Espanyol's starting goalkeeper. They paid €25 million, a great deal for the "Pericos," who now need another reliable goalkeeper.
They already signed Marko Dmitrovic, a veteran Serbian who arrived on a free transfer from Leganés, but he won't be the only one.
Espanyol wants more competition between the posts, and has set its sights on Iñaki Peña, who was trained at La Masia. A double-edged move: covering a need... and striking Barça emotionally.
Peña wants playing time, and no longer has a place at Barça
Iñaki Peña's situation at Barça is unsustainable. With Ter Stegen, Joan García, and Szczesny, Peña no longer has a place, and he doesn't want to remain on the bench.
Peña doesn't want to spend another season as a substitute. He is 26 years old (26 años) and needs continuity.
He was already loaned to Galatasaray in 2022 and performed well. Neither Galatasaray nor others (such as Valencia or Celta) closed any deals. Only Espanyol gives him a real chance to fight for the starting spot.
However, it won't be easy. Dmitrovic is an experienced goalkeeper with influence in the locker room. However, Iñaki believes he can compete for the position.
Barça would let him go... for free
Peña's contract ends in 2026, but neither party wants to renew. The club wants to lighten the squad and wage bill, while the player wants to leave now.
However, Espanyol isn't willing to pay a single euro. They would only sign him if he arrives on a free transfer, as happened with Dmitrovic.
Barça could facilitate his departure with a letter of freedom. This way, it would avoid tensions and open up space to close other moves, such as Ansu Fati's departure to Monaco.
For Peña, it would be a quick and frictionless exit. For Espanyol, a masterstroke at zero cost.
A brave step… or an unforgivable mistake?
Signing for Espanyol is not just anything. Not for a Culer youth product.
Iñaki Peña knows it. He knows his decision may be seen as a betrayal by blaugrana fans.
He is also aware of his reality: if he wants to play, he must go where he is valued. Right now, that place seems to be Cornellà-El Prat.
Time will tell if it was a betrayal… or simply the step his career needed.