Iñaki Peña has made a firm decision about his future and hasn't hesitated to communicate it directly to Hansi Flick. He wants to leave FC Barcelona this summer.
The goalkeeper, who had a great opportunity during Marc-André ter Stegen's injury, considers that his cycle at Barça has ended. Now, he is looking for a team where he can be an undisputed starter. Despite having shown his worth in several important matches, his role within the team has changed drastically with the arrival of a new competitor in the goal.
From Being a Protagonist to Being Relegated
Iñaki Peña experienced his great moment this season when Ter Stegen suffered a knee injury, which forced him to be out of the field for several months. During that time, the homegrown player took on the responsibility and proved that he could be a reliable alternative between the posts.
However, with the incorporation of Wojciech Szczęsny, Peña's role has changed radically. While before he saw it possible to compete with Ter Stegen for minutes, now the situation is completely different. Szczęsny is Flick's favorite in case the German needs rest or suffers an injury.
This situation has been the key for Iñaki Peña to make the determination to seek a new destination.
Iñaki Peña Wants Minutes and Continuity
The goalkeeper understands that to continue progressing in his career he needs to play regularly. He doesn't want to be just an emergency option, but he seeks a club where he can establish himself as a starter.
For this reason, he has made it clear to both Hansi Flick and the sports management that his intention is to leave Barça in this summer market.
The club has understood his position and has already started working on finding him a destination that allows him to grow as a professional. But that can also bring money into the club's coffers.
Possible Destinations for Iñaki Peña
While there are still no formal offers, several teams have shown interest in acquiring the goalkeeper's services. In LaLiga, clubs like Real Betis and Real Sociedad could be alert to his situation, especially if they undergo changes in their respective goals.
Outside of Spain, teams from Italy and Germany have also expressed interest in him. His experience at FC Barcelona and his performance in the Champions League have made him an attractive profile for several European teams.
With his decision already made, everything points to Iñaki Peña leaving Barça in the summer. The big question now is whether his departure will occur through a definitive transfer or a loan with a purchase option.
The most likely scenario is that the club will seek to close a transfer between 5 and 7M euros. A figure that would help Barça in its economic planning.
The only sure thing is that Iñaki Peña won't continue at Camp Nou next season. His priority is to find a team that offers him continuity, and at FC Barcelona, he doesn't have that possibility.