Despite the constant stream of doubt directed his way, Inaki Pena has remained steadfast in his goal to flourish into a player his team can rely on. Taking on Ter Stegan’s role as the starting keeper for the Blaugranas, Pena has been subject to many scrutinizing eyes. However, in spite of it all, he seems to finally be finding his footing.
His recent performance at the Santiago Bernabeu has stunned all naysayers into silence. With his newfound confidence and skill displayed on Saturday, it is easy to understand why Flick placed his trust in him.
Now, according to reports two major European clubs have come forward as viable suitors for the Spaniard keeper. Fichajes is reporting that Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have their eyes set on him ahead of the January transfer window has piqued the interest of the footballing community.
Should Barca let Pena go?
Pena has had a decent run with the Catalans this season, featuring in eight matches, conceding six goals but keeping five clean sheets while at it. With the addition of his commendable show against Real Madrid, it is abundantly clear that he has much more to offer, and if honed properly his talent could secure the Blaugranes a long-term option to guard the posts.
This is why it comes as little shock that big names have begun following the 25-year-old’s progress at Barcelona and have subsequently taken a vested interest in it.
The newly donned star-boy’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026 so Barcelona would risk losing him in the coming summer as he would enter the final year of his deal with the Catalan Giants. Reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest Barca is seriously considering offering Pena a new contract.
It would be within reason for Hansi Flick to want to hold on to Pena for the long haul. However, with Szczęsny’s constantly looming presence and Ter Stegan’s eventual return, it all depends on who Flick wants as his first-choice keeper.
Suffice it to say the most logical course of action would be to sit with the current situation and leave the decision-making for the end of this campaign as it is simply too early to be sure of anything.
