After securing a domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—Barcelona is charging into the new season with a clear goal: to rebuild both on and off the pitch and reestablish their presence in Europe.
As part of this ambitious overhaul, the club is looking to strengthen its squad and improve its financial standing by considering the sale of several notable first-team players.
According to El Nacional, the 2023/24 season closed with a symbolic 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. Though the result didn’t affect the league table, it marked the quiet farewell of goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, who was given a final start before being informed he is no longer part of Hansi Flick’s plans.
Despite starting the season as the first-choice keeper during Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury absence and performing solidly in both La Liga and the Champions League, Peña gradually lost his place—first with the arrival of Wojciech Szczęsny, and now with the rumored signing of Espanyol’s Juan García. Flick has determined that the goalkeeping department needs stronger competition, leaving Peña as the odd man out.
Although Peña still has a contract until 2026, Barcelona is expected to facilitate his departure. Several clubs, both in Spain and abroad, have shown interest in acquiring the La Masia graduate, who still holds promise.
The decision reportedly caused tension between Peña and Flick, as the player felt undervalued. Still, the club views the move as strictly technical.
Peña’s quiet exit at San Mamés—without public tributes or announcements—was a low-key end to a journey that began in the academy and saw him realize the dream of representing the first team. He leaves with trophies, pride, and the respect of his teammates, even if he believes his story at Barça could have been bigger.
As Barcelona prepares for another competitive season under Flick, revamping the goalkeeping lineup is one of the key items on their agenda.
