Barcelona outcast could secure summer return to former loan club – report | OneFootball

Inaki Pena is experiencing his toughest moments of the season at FC Barcelona after Wojciech Szczesny established himself as the starting goalkeeper under Hansi Flick.

The La Masia graduate took over the mantle of the No. 1 spot from Marc-Andre ter Stegen after his injury in September only for Flick to replace him with Szczesny in January this year.

Pena’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2026 and no talks have taken place over a renewal.

Furthermore, the Blaugrana are planning to renew Szczesny’s contract for another year, suggesting that Pena is not a part of Flick’s plans at the club. As such, the 26-year-old may decide to leave in search of regular playing time.

Galatasaray return on the cards for Pena?

Now, according to AS, Galatasaray, where he spent a loan spell in 2022, could provide Pena with that opportunity once Fernando Muslera returns to Uruguayan football this summer.

Pena expected to leave Barcelona in the summer. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

At 38 years old, Muslera has expressed his desire to return to his homeland once his contract with Galatasaray expires at the end of the season, which could pave the way for Pena to return to his former loan club.

Pena already has experience at Galatasaray, having impressed during his loan spell in the second half of the 2021/22 season.

The 26-year-old played eight matches and earned the admiration of the Turkish club’s fans, particularly for his standout performances in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 against Barcelona.

With Muslera’s potential departure in 2025, Galatasaray could view Pena as a strong candidate to reinforce their goalkeeping department.

The Barcelona academy product’s previous stint at the club and familiarity with Istanbul could make for a smooth transition if a transfer materialises in the future.