Barcelona has made important decisions regarding its goalkeeping just as the transfer window enters its final stretch. Amid renewals and loans, the blaugrana board has cleared up several doubts that worried fans.
Iñaki Peña leaves on loan to Elche
Iñaki Peña, a goalkeeper trained at La Masia, has renewed his contract with Barça until 2029. However, the agreement has a clear objective: to facilitate his loan move to Elche. Elche, managed by Eder Sarabia, has already approved the operation, and Peña will compete for the starting spot against the veteran Matías Dituro.
With this loan, Barça frees up a spot in its squad. This will allow Wojciech Szczesny to be registered, whose contract renewal until 2027 was already signed, but who still couldn't obtain a federation license due to salary restrictions.
Clear outlook in the blaugrana goal
With Peña's departure and Ter Stegen's long-term injuries, Barça has reorganized its goal. Joan García and Marcus Rashford have already been registered since the first matchday. Meanwhile, the American Diego Kochen keeps his place as the first team's third goalkeeper.
Szczesny will take on the role of García's backup starting next Sunday in Vallecas. The Polish goalkeeper is already familiar with waiting: when he arrived at the club in October 2024, he had to wait three months for his opportunity. Now, his experience will be key to covering for the young goalkeeper who is replacing Ter Stegen until his return.
A challenge for Peña in Elche
Peña isn't arriving at an easy destination. Matías Dituro, at 38 years old, has been a pillar at Elche and was essential in last season's promotion. So far, the Argentine has allowed the Franjiverdes to rescue important points against Betis and Atlético.
The young goalkeeper knows what it means to compete against established goalkeepers. Last season was intense: he claimed the starting spot after Ter Stegen's injury, but later lost it to Szczesny, despite his good performances. In total, Peña played 45 matches with Barça and kept 11 clean sheets.
Expectations and future
Barça trusts that the loan will be positive; if Peña performs well at Elche, it could facilitate a transfer in 2026. In the last campaign, the club desired to receive offers close to €10 million, but no formal proposals arrived. That's why renewing the goalkeeper and loaning him now prevents a free transfer.
Deco, who has closely followed the progress of his signing, is optimistic that Peña can accumulate minutes and experience at a competitive club. For the 26-year-old goalkeeper, this stage will be crucial to show his maturity and his ability to lead under pressure.