Barcelona to let 26-year-old star leave for free in summer despite a year left on his contract | OneFootball

According to SPORT, Inaki Pena’s time at Barcelona is quietly coming to an end, with the goalkeeper expected to leave the club this summer as a free agent, even though his contract runs until 2026.

It is a surprising situation given the contract he has, but it is becoming clear that the club’s plans no longer include him.

Earlier this season, Pena found himself in a rare position of opportunity. Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term injury handed him a run in the first team, a moment many thought could define his Barcelona career.

For a while, he held the No. 1 shirt, but things changed rapidly.

Szczesny changed everything

By the turn of the year, Barcelona made a move that shifted the entire dynamic between the posts. Hansi Flick handed Wojciech Szczesny his debut, and there has been no turning back since.

Flick has continued to keep faith in Szczesny and Pena, once trusted with the gloves, saw himself relegated to the sidelines.

Inaki Pena will leave Barcelona in the summer. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Despite remaining professional, it is understood that Pena now sees his future away from Barcelona.

This is because the coaching staff is aligned that next season, Ter Stegen will return as the undisputed starter, with Szczesny acting as a reliable backup.

That leaves no room for Pena, and even worse, no intention of reintegrating him into the setup.

A free transfer

Barcelona had hoped to earn a transfer fee for Pena’s departure, especially given that he still has a year left on his contract. But that will not be the case.

The goalkeeper is expected to walk away on a free, likely due to a mutual agreement recognising the limited opportunities he has been given and the lack of faith shown after Szczesny’s arrival.

It is a disappointing end to what once looked like a promising future at Barcelona. Pena has come through the ranks, waited patiently for his moment, and even performed respectably during his brief spell as the starter.

However, the events of the past few months have made it clear that the club’s vision no longer includes him.