La Liga manager opens up on signing of Barcelona outcast – ‘He will help us a lot’ | OneFootball

Elche manager Eder Sarabia has spoken with pride about the club’s progress, using the arrival of goalkeeper Inaki Pena on loan from Barcelona as a clear example of how far the project has come.

For Sarabia, the signing underlines that players who previously would never have considered joining Elche are now eager to be part of the team’s journey.

“It’s proof that some very important players are putting their faith in this project,” said Sarabia.

He went on to highlight that other top-level names “are willing to come and help us,” because they believe that at Elche, they can be happy, perform well, and reach their peak.”

Sarabia’s faith in Pena’s talent

Sarabia also offered a personal insight into Pena’s quality, recalling his earlier experiences with the keeper.

The coach reminded that he had worked with Pena at Roda, linked to Villarreal, and later crossed paths again at Barcelona.

Eder Sarabia has praised Inaki Pena’s quality. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Back then, Sarabia boldly predicted that once Marc-Andre ter Stegen retired, Pena would go on to play “300 games with the first team.”

“And I still think so, because I think he’s a goalkeeper with spectacular talent. I’m happy because I know him and I know he’s going to help us a lot,” he said.

Strategic exit for Barcelona

Before completing his loan to Elche, Pena signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2029.

His new deal is believed to carry a salary of €3 million per year gross, though this has been deferred as part of the renewal agreement. In fact, Pena’s exit brings an added benefit.

His temporary move provides the club with the necessary Financial Fair Play margin to register Wojciech Szczesny ahead of the upcoming clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Elche, meanwhile, gain a goalkeeper Sarabia knows and trusts, one he believes can make a big difference to their season.

Source: Mundo Deportivo