Barcelona academy graduate set to change agents ahead of likely summer exit | OneFootball

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Barcelona are likely to see multiple departures once the ongoing campaign comes to an end.

Among those expected to depart the Catalan outfit is goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who has fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick this season.

Inaki Pena changing agents

Now, according to journalist Jordi Cardero, Pena is finalising a switch in representation by signing with AC Talent, just six weeks before the transfer market opens, in what looks set to be a decisive summer in his career.

Pena is joining the agency led by Arturo Canales, which represents several current Barça players such as Pablo Torre and Hector Fort, along with former Blaugrana players Riqui Puig and Gerard Pique.

The goalkeeper had been with Wakai Sports, but following the departure of his agent Javi Garrido and internal changes within the firm, Pena has opted for new representation.

Changing agents ahead of summer exit. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

This summer will be crucial for the La Masia keeper. Before the current season began, he had received several offers but chose to stay at Barcelona as Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s backup.

The scenario shifted dramatically when Ter Stegen suffered an injury, and for a second consecutive season, Pena stepped up as Barça’s first-choice keeper. However, the club acted quickly by signing Wojciech Szczesny.

Although Flick initially stood by Pena and kept him as the starter, from the Spanish Super Cup onwards, Szczesny took over as the undisputed number one and is soon expected to sign a new contract.

With Ter Stegen set to return imminently, Pena would become the third-choice keeper under Flick. Given his profile and market value, that is not a sustainable position.

Furthermore, his contract runs until 2026, and the club’s policy is that players entering their final year must either extend or move on. As such, a departure seems likely.