The injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, in addition to representing a very tough blow for FC Barcelona, both due to the severity of his physical setback (complete rupture of the patellar tendon in the right knee) and its prolonged duration (seven to eight months), has posed a real dilemma for the Barcelona sports management. Why?
Now, from Barça, they must consider whether to opt for searching the free agent market, an option that is increasingly seeming more feasible with Wojciech Szczęsny as the leading candidate. However, another option is also looming in the air: to rely solely on Iñaki Peña as the starting goalkeeper, backed by Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen.
The latter option seems to be the least popular, why? Apparently, there is no clear reason, but there is a feeling that a sector of the Barça fans does not fully trust the goalkeeper from Alicante. This might be due to his performance last season when he replaced Marc-André ter Stegen in 17 matches. Despite having standout performances, he also showed certain weaknesses and a lack of confidence, which was reflected in 32 goals conceded and three clean sheets in those games.
However, everything indicates that although the arrival of an experienced goalkeeper like Szczęsny is quite likely, and even though he could eventually secure the starting position due to his experience and performance, it is not a foregone conclusion. Iñaki Peña will have the opportunity to compete for the starting role on equal terms with the Pole.
Iñaki Peña continues to feature in Hansi Flick's plans
Recently, Hansi Flick stated in the press conference before the FC Barcelona match against CA Osasuna that Iñaki Peña does have the chance to be the starting goalkeeper for the Barça team for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. "Yes, he can be (a starter for the entire season). He is working well. The confidence he can have from game to game is very good. We have to wait," he concluded.
Furthermore, Flick also emphasized that the Alicante-born player has been involved in all meetings and has shown a good performance in training, positioning him as a serious contender for the goalkeeper position. "Iñaki Peña has been involved in all the meetings and all the work we have done. In the last match, a very good connection was seen between Iñaki and his teammates. He is here to improve, and tomorrow is another step forward," he concluded.
It will be interesting to see how the dynamics of the Barça goalkeepers unfold if Szczęsny arrives. While it is acknowledged that the Pole, in his best form, is a top-level goalkeeper and a clear candidate for the starting position, it is clear that Iñaki Peña could also be an important support if he continues to get regular playing opportunities, fostering intense competition for the Barça goal.