This 2024-25 season is proving crucial for a particular name in FC Barcelona: Iñaki Peña. The 25-year-old goalkeeper from Alicante, since the injury of Marc-André ter Stegen on September 22, has taken on the role of the German goalkeeper and, gradually, with the confidence of Hansi Flick and the experience gained in his game, has established himself as an important figure in the Blaugrana goal.
During this period, Iñaki Peña has played a total of 17 matches in the Barça shirt, equaling the number of games played in the 2023-24 season. In this journey, the academy player has conceded 19 goals, achieving clean sheets on six occasions: against Villarreal CF (Matchday 6 of LaLiga), Getafe CF (Matchday 7 of LaLiga), Deportivo Alavés (Matchday 9 of LaLiga), Real Madrid (Matchday 11 of LaLiga), BSC Young Boys (Matchday 2 of the Champions League), and Stade Brestois (Matchday 5 of the Champions League).
Now, given the level that Iñaki Peña has shown with FC Barcelona, it seems that the Barcelona team intends to extend the contract of the Alicante goalkeeper beyond June 30, 2026, the current end date of his link with the Catalan club.
FC Barcelona aims to secure the renewal of Iñaki Peña
As reported in 'Mundo Deportivo', Barcelona would have dispelled any doubts regarding the renewal of Iñaki Peña, thanks to his stellar performances in high-stakes matches, such as the Clásico against Real Madrid, where he was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet with notable interventions. Additionally, another encounter against a rival like Bayern Munich, where the former Galatasaray player shone.
Furthermore, it is mentioned that Barcelona intends to propose a contract extension to Iñaki Peña, regardless of whether he receives offers this summer. It is expected that this renewal will have the approval of Hansi Flick, aligning the club and the coach.
Only Peña's own opinion remains to be known, as he has shown on more than one occasion his devotion to Barcelona and his desire to stay at the club. However, it remains to be seen if he would be willing to accept a secondary role once ter Stegen returns, as, given his demonstrated talent, he is likely to receive offers from clubs that want him as their full-time starting goalkeeper.