Inaki Pena’s Barcelona future depends on veteran goalkeeper’s decision | OneFootball

The current goalkeeping situation at FC Barcelona is both stable and challenging. With Joan Garcia and Marc Andre ter Stegen sidelined by injuries, Wojciech Szczesny remains the only available first-team goalkeeper at present.

These circumstances have once again brought Inaki Pena’s situation into focus. The Alicante-born goalkeeper, currently on loan at Elche, is set to return to Barcelona next summer, although his future with the club remains uncertain.

According to SPORT, Pena’s prospects largely depend on the decision of Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish veteran, under contract until 2027, currently plans to stay, yet there are no guarantees he will see out his deal.

Should Szczesny decide to continue, Barcelona are expected to push for Pena’s permanent transfer, as the pathway to regular minutes at Camp Nou would be blocked.

Before heading out on loan, Pena renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2029. His exit to Elche was delayed due to difficulties registering Joan Garcia and Szczesny.

Once those issues were resolved, Pena joined Elche, where he initially began the season on the bench but quickly established himself as the starting goalkeeper. His strong performances since then have underlined his value and reliability.

Meanwhile, Ter Stegen, who does not appear to have a future at Barcelona, continues his recovery from back surgery and will reassess his future once fully fit.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the German international could consider leaving in search of consistent game time to secure his place as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper. Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Szczesny, who extended his deal until 2027, has once again proven crucial for Barcelona during Garcia’s absence. Although he intends to stay, his situation remains fluid, particularly given his age and the fact that he joined Barcelona after briefly retiring.

Undoubtedly, Joan Garcia is Barcelona’s long-term number one. Having signed until 2031, the young Spaniard is set to lead the goalkeeping department for years.

If Szczesny stays, Pena will likely be sold, while if the Polish goalkeeper decides to leave, which seems unlikely at this point, Pena could settle for a backup role behind Garcia. Even so, his long-term future at Barcelona remains uncertain.