Valencia CF remains very active in the search for a new goalkeeper for next season. With Giorgi Mamardashvili leaving for Liverpool, Mestalla has prioritized strengthening its goal. In that search, an unexpected figure has appeared on the blanquinegro radar: Iñaki Peña, current second-choice goalkeeper for FC Barcelona.
According to Carpetas blaugranas, Deco has already offered the Alicante-born keeper to Valencia as part of the club culé's exit plan. Peña, whose contract expires in June 2026, is not in Barça's short- or medium-term plans. The blaugrana sporting management has already made the decision to bet on Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper.
His arrival is finalized and will mean a deep change in the structure of the goalkeeping department, generating debate and doubts among the three current goalkeepers. Starting with Iñaki Peña, who sees Valencia as a great future option to get playing time. Continuing with Marc-André ter Stegen, who feels he can be the starter and is demanding €42 million to leave Barça, and moving on to Wojciech Szczesny, who earned the spot.
Valencia moves ahead
Valencia's interest in Julen Agirrezabala remains firm; the Athletic Club keeper is the option most favored internally. However, the cost of the signing and the existing competition could hinder his arrival. That's where Peña's alternative gains strength, as he would arrive on a free or for a symbolic fee, Barça will not put obstacles in his way and will facilitate his departure from Bilbao.
Iñaki Peña needs to step up, after several seasons in Marc-André ter Stegen's shadow, the Alicante native will go to a project where he can become the undisputed starter. Valencia appears as an ideal destination: a historic club, ambitious, in LaLiga, and just a few kilometers (km) from his hometown. Peña is open to joining Mestalla and has already given the green light to his agent to explore this path.
Deco opens the door to Barcelona
The possibility of wearing the blanquinegro colors appeals to the goalkeeper, who has already experienced a loan (such as at Galatasaray) and feels it's time to establish himself as a starter. The fact that che has not yet finalized Agirrezabala works in his favor. Moreover, his salary is manageable for Valencia's economic limitations, another factor that strengthens this operation.
From Barça's camp, they confirm that Deco has already held talks with representatives of Peter Lim's club. The goal is to find a place for several players who are not in Hansi Flick's plans, including Peña. The good relationship between both entities could speed up the operation if Valencia decides to sign him.
Meanwhile, Valencia's sporting management continues to assess options; Agirrezabala is the preferred choice, but not the only one. Iñaki Peña has entered the scene as a more than valid alternative. An international with Spain's youth teams and with Champions League experience, he represents a safe option with room for growth.