Iñaki Peña is one step away from definitively leaving FC Barcelona. The Alicante goalkeeper, who hasn't managed to establish himself as a starter in the blaugrana team, already knows that he won't defend the culé goal in an official match again. His destination seems to be increasingly closer to Celta de Vigo, a club that has initiated serious contacts to secure his services for the upcoming season.
The Galician team, now led by Claudio Barragán, is looking to strengthen their squad in light of Vicente Guaita's imminent departure. The veteran goalkeeper won't renew his contract, and in Balaídos, they consider it a priority to find a reliable replacement. Therefore, Deco is already actively negotiating to finalize the deal for Iñaki Peña, who would welcome this new opportunity in LaLiga.
An important figure in this operation is Óscar Mingueza. The Catalan defender, a personal friend of Iñaki Peña, has strongly recommended his signing to the Vigo club. From within Celta de Vigo's locker room, they assure that Mingueza has acted as an intermediary, convincing his teammate that Vigo is the ideal place to relaunch his sports career.
Barragán Bets on Iñaki
Celta is making a strong push to finalize his signing in the coming days. They consider Peña's signing not only a strategic move but also a great market opportunity. At 25 years old, the Alicante native is at an ideal age to establish himself as an important goalkeeper in the domestic competition.
However, Celta isn't the only team interested, according to sources close to the player, Iñaki Peña also has offers from Saudi Arabia. Some clubs from the Arab country offer him contracts that are financially much higher than what he could earn in LaLiga. Additionally, Galatasaray, where he already played on loan in the past, has explored his return.
Girona Trails Behind Celta
The interest from Girona can't be forgotten either. The Catalan team, which will return to European competition next season, is closely monitoring the goalkeeper's situation. However, Peña's priority remains finding a project where he can be an undisputed starter and continue growing in Spanish soccer.
As of today, Celta de Vigo is emerging as the most likely destination for the still Barça player. Unless there is an unexpected turn in negotiations, Iñaki Peña will end his time at Camp Nou and embark on a new adventure in Galicia. A decision that he seems to have already made, aware that he won't have a place in the blaugrana club with Marc-André ter Stegen's continuity.
Thus, after several years in the shadows, the goalkeeper will seek the prominence in Balaídos that he hasn't been able to find in the Catalan capital. A farewell that, although inevitable, also represents a great opportunity for a talent that still has much to prove in elite soccer.