The transfer market never ceases to surprise and new things can always happen until the very last moment. When everything pointed to Iñaki Peña leaving with Barragán to Real Club Celta de Vigo in search of playing time, the Alicante goalkeeper changed his plans at the last minute. His new destination will be Sevilla FC, which has moved quickly to finalize his arrival for the upcoming season.
The goalkeeper, who was ending his contract with FC Barcelona, has decided to end his time as a Barcelona player. At 25 years old, Peña was looking for an opportunity where he could feel important and prove his level in the First Division. The call from Joaquín Caparrós, Sevilla's sports advisor, was key to sealing the deal.
The Seville club, which is fighting to keep the category at the end of this campaign, has convinced the goalkeeper with a project where he will have a more prominent role. The goal is not only to avoid relegation but to lay the foundations for a new cycle with fresh faces and proven talent. Sevilla will seek to return to Europe after some very bad years, where they flirted with relegation to the Second Division.
Peña sees Sevilla's proposal as very good
Iñaki Peña viewed Celta's proposal favorably, the Galician team a project led by Claudio Giraldez. However, the emotional factor has been decisive, the call from Caparrós, the full trust of Sevilla's coaching staff, and the history of the Andalusian club have tipped the balance. Peña believes that a team like Sevilla can give him much more prominence than Celta de Vigo does.
The agreement between the goalkeeper and Sevilla FC will be finalized in the coming hours, he will sign until 2027 and will arrive with a free transfer. His arrival aims to cover a goalkeeping position that has had consistency issues throughout the season, with doubts in both Nyland and Álvaro Fernández. Peña, with Barcelona training and Champions League experience, will bring solidity, footwork, and leadership.
Caparrós essential for finalizing his arrival in Nervión
The operation has been well received by Sevilla fans, the club wants to build a competitive squad without making big financial splurges. Betting on footballers with hunger, room for improvement, and experience in big clubs is part of the new strategy. In that profile, Iñaki Peña fits perfectly, who hopes to establish himself in the elite.
Meanwhile, Barça closes the chapter of a homegrown player who never managed to settle in the first team. Although Flick valued his role as a second goalkeeper, the renewal of Ter Stegen and the arrival of Szczesny have hastened his departure. Also, the need to make way for young players like Astralaga or Kochen, whom the Barcelona club trusts.
The Catalan club will free up salary space and make room in the goal for the new cycle. Iñaki Peña, meanwhile, leaves with his head held high and the desire to succeed at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. His signing for Sevilla not only strengthens the Andalusian club but also sends a clear message: they want to be competitive again as soon as possible.