Just in – Barcelona homegrown star headed to newly-promoted La Liga club | OneFootball

Having strived hard to finalise the departure of Inaki Pena on loan, FC Barcelona could be close to finally parting ways with their backup goalkeeper.

The 26-year-old does not have a place in Hansi Flick’s plans for the season, with new signing Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny ahead of him in the pecking order.

While the initial plan was to let him go for free, with a year left on his contract, Barcelona have since changed their tune.

As reported yesterday, Pena is now set to renew his contract for three additional years until 2029 before heading out on loan for the season.

Inaki Pena set to join Elche

And, according to the reliable Matteo Moretto, Pena is headed to newly-promoted La Liga side Elche for the rest of the season.

The development comes as somewhat of a surprise considering that there were other, more high-profile clubs interested in the Barcelona goalkeeper.

Headed to Elche. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Celta Vigo, for one, have had their eyes on Pena for some time now, although they first need to make room for a new arrival. Girona, too, were credited with interest.

A move to Italy, where Cesc Fabregas’ Como were pushing for him, was also very much on the table. However, Pena would not be the outright No. 1 at the club and would have to compete for minutes.

But the 26-year-old La Masia graduate wanted to join a team where he could play at a high level week in, week out. It may have played a big role in the Barcelona homegrown star opting to join Elche instead.

More details are awaited about the move, but as things stand, it appears like Pena will indeed play for the La Liga newbies. His exit could free up further space on the Fair Play front as Barcelona scramble to complete their pending player registrations.