Barcelona goalkeeper on verge of surprise €3 million move to Panathinaikos | OneFootball

Barcelona appear to be closing in on another departure as goalkeeper Inaki Pena edges closer to leaving the club ahead of the new season. 

After months of uncertainty regarding his future, the Spanish shot-stopper is now on the verge of joining Greek giants Panathinaikos in a deal that could be completed before pre-season preparations begin.

According to Jijantes, negotiations between the two clubs have advanced significantly and there is growing confidence that an agreement will soon be reached. 

The transfer fee is expected to remain below €3 million, with Barcelona prioritising a quick resolution rather than holding out for a larger amount.

Inaki Pena pushing to complete exit quickly

Pena’s intention has been clear for some time. Having fallen outside Hansi Flick’s plans, Pena believes the best solution for his career is to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

The report indicates that the player is actively pushing for the operation to be finalised before Barcelona’s pre-season gets underway. 

Inaki Pena is set to join Panathinaikos. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Rather than spending another summer facing uncertainty over his role, Pena wants clarity as quickly as possible and is working towards completing his move in the coming days.

Although he remains under contract until 2029, both player and club reportedly agree that a separation is the most logical outcome at this stage.

In fact, Barcelona have shown no desire to complicate negotiations and are willing to facilitate his departure if all parties can reach an acceptable agreement.

Panathinaikos favourites despite La Liga interest

Pena’s situation has not gone unnoticed across Europe, as several clubs have monitored his availability, including teams from La Liga that viewed him as an attractive market opportunity.

However, the goalkeeper has chosen a different path. Rather than remaining in Spain, he appears ready to continue his career abroad, with Panathinaikos now leading the race for his signature. 

The Greek side have moved decisively in negotiations and are currently best positioned to complete the transfer.

Inaki Pena will leave Barcelona. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Notably, the chance to play regularly and establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper seems to have outweighed other alternatives that may have allowed him to remain closer to home.

Caveat for Barcelona

Notably, while the expected amount is relatively modest, the club would remove a significant salary from the wage bill, something that continues to play an important role in the club’s financial planning.

Furthermore, there is also the possibility of Barcelona retaining a percentage of any future sale, ensuring they could still benefit if Pena enjoys a successful spell in Greece and attracts interest later in his career.

More importantly, the move helps simplify Flick’s squad planning ahead of the new campaign. 

With the goalkeeping hierarchy already crowded, Pena’s departure would eliminate at least one uncertainty and allow both player and club to move forward.