Celta Vigo eye move for out-of-favour 26-year-old Barcelona star – report | OneFootball

Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena could be on his way out, with Celta Vigo emerging as a serious contender for his signature.

According to a report from Fichajes, the Galician club has turned their focus to the 26-year-old shot-stopper following the confirmed departure of Vicente Guaita, who is reportedly set for a return to Valencia.

The move could provide Pena with the career breakthrough he has long awaited. After years of serving as a backup at Barcelona and with limited opportunities to make a consistent impact, he appears ready for a fresh challenge.

His situation at Barça has never allowed him to gain momentum, often stuck behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen and only playing in a handful of matches across all competitions.

Celta Vigo interested in Pena

Celta Vigo view Pena as a perfect fit for their plans. With European qualification within reach for the 2025–2026 season, the club is actively positioning themselves as an ambitious project.

Pena’s desire for minutes and greater responsibility aligns well with Celta’s need for a reliable and long-term solution in the goal.

Inaki Pena is likely to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

The 26-year-old has shown flashes of his potential when called upon, and his technical ability has been praised.

However, the lack of game time at Barcelona has prevented him from making a serious case for becoming a top-tier number one. At Celta, however, he could finally get the opportunity to cement himself as a starter in La Liga.

Barcelona are not expected to place any significant obstacles in Pena’s path. Given his limited role at the club and the fact that Hansi Flick is reshaping the squad with performance-based priorities, a modest transfer fee or a loan deal with an option to buy is seen as a likely outcome.

The Catalan giants are also aware that allowing fringe players to pursue regular football elsewhere helps ease the wage bill and supports long-term planning under the club’s financial restrictions.

Talks between the two clubs are already underway. Unless complications arise, a deal could be reached soon, allowing Celta to officially install Pena as their new number one.