FC Barcelona has been planning for next season for several weeks. The name of Iñaki Peña appears on the list and he's earned Hansi Flick's full trust. He is a starter and it seems that, for the moment, no one can take his place. However, one piece of information could put Joan Laporta's plans in jeopardy: Iñaki could leave Barça to play for another team in Spain.
Iñaki Peña's contract with FC Barcelona ends on June 30, 2026. So far, there has been no talk of a possible renewal. He is a goalkeeper who is arousing the interest of several teams. Now irt seems that the latest one that wants to take him is Girona. This has been revealed by Fichajes.net, pointing out that the Catalonian team "appears as an attractive destination" for the Barça youth player.
In the event he reconsiders his future or doesn't reach an agreement to renew with Barça, the Girona option would be interesting for Iñaki Peña. It is a play style that suits him and where he fits in and, in addition, they would offer him the possibility of being prominent. At Barcelona he knows that, as soon as Ter Stegen returns from his injury, he will lose the minutes that he's earning through good performance.
In any case, Iñaki Peña will have to make a decision. Joan Laporta's plan is to try to renew his contract in the coming months, but the president is beginning to fear that he will leave. He is showing that he can be an important goalkeeper away from the Spotify Camp Nou. Besides, the interest he's been receiving recently, including from Girona, continues to intensify.
Joan Laporta Finds a Surprise Replacement for Iñaki Peña
If Iñaki Peña ends up asking to leave, the truth is that Joan Laporta seems to have a clear idea of who would be his replacement at Barça. The surprise solution would be found in the renewal of Wojciech Szczęsny, a goalkeeper who only arrived for this season, but who remains a substitute.
After Ter Stegen was injured, Barça moved quickly in the transfer market, bringing Szczęsny out of retirement to return to the team. So far, the Pole, in top physical condition, hasn't yet made his debut. Still, the truth is that he is leaving a great impression in the locker room. He is a player with a lot of experience and who's earned the trust of all his teammates.
Wojciech Szczęsny has accepted his situation with good grace and is considered to be acting in an exemplary manner. In this regard, Barça is planning to speak with the Pole about staying for another season. This doesn't mean that one of them has to leave: the idea is that next season there will be three goalkeepers in case one of them gets injured. The decision is now up to him.
At this moment, everything could depend on the decision of Iñaki Peña, who is currently the main starter.