Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Inaki Pena Set To Leave Barcelona After Joan Garcia Signing and Wojciech Szczesny Renewal

The La Masia Goalkeeper Prepares for a Summer Exit As Barca Reshuffle Their Goalkeeping Ranks.

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Barcelona’s goalkeeping department is undergoing a major overhaul with a new arrival and a renewal. In the midst of it, Inaki Pena seems to be set to become the first one to leave the club when many were expecting to see Marc-Andre ter Stegen out of the club.

Joan Garcia has signed as the club’s new long-term No. 1. Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny has renewed his contract. With captain ter Stegen still in the scene, Pena has dropped down the pecking order. As a result, he is now preparing for life beyond Camp Nou.

🚨👋🏻 Iñaki Peña, prepared to leave Barcelona this summer after Joan García’s arrival and also Szczesny’s extension.

The goalkeeper, assessing new options ahead of move. pic.twitter.com/yfy3f2bgJA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2025

The 26-year-old La Masia graduate was once viewed as a potential successor to the German goalkeeper. However, that situation has vastly changed now under new head coach Hansi Flick. Marca reports that Pena has “accepted his fate”. Hence, he is actively seeking a move before Barca’s pre-season kicks off on July 13.

Sevilla Leading Race for Inaki Pena Signature

Pena is currently the fourth-choice goalkeeper at Barcelona, so he is looking for enough playing time away from the club. After spending years as a backup, the Spanish goalkeeper is determined to establish himself as a first-choice elsewhere. In the midst of it, Sevilla have emerged as frontrunners for his signature.

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According to Fichajes, Sevilla have already held discussions with Pena’s representatives. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo and Valencia are also monitoring the situation. However, if negotiations don’t go favorably, Barcelona may even consider terminating Pena’s contract to facilitate his departure and ease their wage bill.

Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny Set for Key Roles

Barcelona officially announced Joan Garcia’s arrival earlier this month. They confirmed him as their primary goalkeeper moving forward. Szczesny played a huge part of last season as the first-choice goalkeeper and his deal expired in June. He has now agreed to a new two-year contract.

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Additionally, the second year will depend on appearances. Club insiders view the Polish veteran, who joined the club returning from retirement, as a reliable backup. Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future remains in the air. Flick is expected to meet him during pre-season to clarify his status.

However, reports suggest the club is moving forward with Garcia and Szczesny as their preferred duo. For Pena, who joined Barcelona’s youth system as a child, the decision to leave is bittersweet. However, with the current situation at Barca, a fresh start elsewhere could be the only way for him.

Bamrcelona

Inaki Pena

Joan Garcia

Sevilla

Wojciech Szczesny

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.