Barcelona outcast ‘one step away’ from joining La Liga newcomers | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena is one step away from joining Elche on loan.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper has reached an advanced stage of negotiations, and the deal is expected to be finalised early this week.

Pena’s move to Elche comes after his agent, Fernando Solanas, met with Barça sporting director Deco at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despi.

During those talks, an agreement was reached for Pena to renew his contract before heading out on loan.

For Barcelona, this arrangement also provides breathing room in terms of financial fair play, making it possible to register Wojciech Szczesny as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia.

Move makes sense for Pena

While clubs like Como and Celta Vigo had shown interest earlier in the window, it is Elche who have ultimately won the race. The decision was influenced by several factors.

Inaki Pena is set to join Elche. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Firstly, a move to Elche allows Pena to return closer to home, offering him familiarity and comfort. Secondly, the trust shown by Eder Sarabia, Elche’s coach, played a decisive role.

Sarabia knows Pena well, having worked with him during his time as Quique Setien’s assistant at Barcelona. That past connection was crucial in convincing the goalkeeper to make the switch.

A fresh opportunity for everyone

For Pena, the loan is more than just a change of shirt, it is a chance to gain consistent minutes in a competitive environment, something that has been difficult at Barcelona.

For Barça, the deal brings both sporting and financial benefits. They retain control over the player’s long-term future thanks to his contract renewal, while also freeing up the necessary space to integrate Szczesny into Hansi Flick’s squad.

According to those close to the player, the deal could be officially sealed within days, meaning Barcelona won’t have to wait until the final hours of the transfer window, which closes on 1 September.