Barcelona consider renewing out-of-favour star’s contract before loaning him out | OneFootball

As reported previously, Inaki Pena is one of the few players expected to leave FC Barcelona in the coming days before the transfer window closes.

The La Masia graduate is behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order, and is destined to leave, although the timing of his exit depends on Barça registering the other two goalkeepers.

After all, at this point, Pena is the only fit and registered custodian available for the Catalans for the season opener vs RCD Mallorca.

Considering his professionalism and attitude, Barcelona are open to letting Pena leave for free, with a year left on his contract, but retaining a percentage of future sale.

Loan exit a possibility as well

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, another option that Barça are open to exploring is to renew Pena’s contract for one additional year to ease financial fair play restrictions and then loan him out so he can play regularly.

Loan exit not ruled out. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Blaugrana have previously followed a similar process with players like Clement Lenglet last summer and Ansu Fati more recently – extending their deal by one year to spread their salary before loaning them out.

The idea is that this route would allow Pena to increase his market value, ultimately benefiting the club in the long term.

In any case, Barcelona see the homegrown goalkeeper’s departure this summer as a certainty.

The goalkeeper has offers from clubs in Europe’s top leagues and is willing to accept a significant pay cut if it means securing regular game time.

The wait is for Barcelona to register Joan Garcia and or Wojciech Szczesny so that they have a goalkeeper, so that Pena can be allowed to leave.