26-year-old Barcelona player could leave in search of leading role elsewhere – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona return to the Montjuic Stadium later today to face Villarreal, eager to celebrate their La Liga title in front of home fans. But while the title race is over for the hosts, their opponents still have plenty to play for.

The Yellow Submarine is chasing Champions League qualification and will be eyeing a valuable win in Catalunya.

With the pressure now off, Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad. Fringe players like Pau Víctor, Ansu Fati, and Pablo Torre could see action, especially as some regular starters need rest after a demanding campaign.

Among those players who might get a chance, forgotten shot-stopper Inaki Pena could be in contention for a chance. As per Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish goalkeeper could be spending his last few days as a Barcelona player.

Inaki Pena’s struggle for game time

Inaki Pena has struggled for game time this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Pena was the back-up goalkeeper to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, going into the season, and Hansi Flick made the Spaniard a guaranteed starter until January. The 26-year-old had a decent season in the first half, but Wojciech Szczesny was waiting in the wings.

The Pole came into the club as an emergency replacement for the Barcelona club captain and had to wait for his chance. Flick gave him the opportunity to play in the Spanish Super Cup in January, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Uncertain goalkeeping future

What does the future hold for the goalkeeping situation at Barcelona? (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Pena is now third in the pecking order behind both Ter Stegen and Szczesny, and with a contract that expires in 2026, there seems to be no inclination for a contract renewal from either party. The goalkeeper is 26 now and cannot remain at Barcelona with no guarantee of playing time.

While Celta Vigo have expressed interest, the goalkeeper is reportedly open to offers from abroad as well. His next move could shape the rest of his career—and it’s only fitting that he might get one final appearance in front of the home crowd today.

As Barcelona celebrate its present, the future of the goalkeeping department remains one of the few unresolved areas. The coming weeks may provide more clarity, but for Inaki Pena, a farewell moment at Montjuic could be on the horizon.