For years, Iñaki Peña represented the hope for the future of FC Barcelona's goalkeeping. Trained at La Masia, he was always considered a natural replacement for Marc-André ter Stegen. But the real opportunity didn't come until this season.
In September, an injury to the German finally gave him the starting position. It was his moment. But he didn't convince.
A Break That Changed Everything
In his first matches as a starter, Iñaki showed confidence, but also certain doubts. Hansi Flick didn't see him as a total guarantee. The club, with the season at stake, opted for an urgent solution.
He arrived as a free agent and quickly earned the spot. With him in goal, Barça regained solidity and defensive stability. Iñaki, once again, moved to the background.
Despite arriving to cover an emergency, the Pole won't leave. Szczęsny has convinced Flick and the club. He will stay, even if Ter Stegen regains his position in the summer.
This leaves no room for Iñaki Peña, who doesn't want to spend another season on the bench. He has a contract, but he has requested to leave. Barça has given the green light.
Offers on the Table
Several clubs have shown interest in him. Iñaki's profile is appealing: trained at a great club, young, with experience in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. His market value in the national market has risen.
In recent weeks, Celta de Vigo seemed the best positioned. The Galician club had already approached the goalkeeper a few months ago. But it hasn't been the only one.
When everything seemed set for Balaídos, a new call changed the scenario. A historic Spanish soccer team, in full reconstruction, has decided to make a strong bet. They have done it quickly.
This new team is looking for a starting goalkeeper who arrives hungry. They don't want loans or promises, but immediate commitment. Peña fits.
The Decision Is Already Made
Despite Celta's interest, the goalkeeper has already chosen. He has done it for the project, for minutes, and for confidence. He believes he needs a demanding environment, but also stability.
His departure from Barça will be official in the coming days. The agreement between clubs is not a problem. The operation is on track.
With his departure, a stage of more than a decade at the club comes to an end. Peña has been a youth player, substitute, alternative, and finally discarded. Soccer doesn't always have happy endings.
Flick prefers to count on Ter Stegen and Szczęsny. And Deco, with an eye on 'fair play,' values each departure well. In this case, everyone agrees.
The Alicante goalkeeper has decided to sign for Sevilla FC. The Andalusian club, now under the orders of Joaquín Caparrós, has convinced the goalkeeper. He will be their starting goalkeeper next season.
Iñaki leaves Camp Nou in search of prominence. He will do so in LaLiga, as a direct rival of Barça.