Barcelona star enduring emotional and sporting crisis amidst uncertain future | OneFootball

Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena is facing a critical turning point in both his career and personal life, as reported by SPORT.

The 26-year-old has not featured in a competitive match since 18 January, when he started against Getafe. Since then, he has been completely sidelined, and with only one game left in the season, there is little indication that Hansi Flick will call on him.

What began as a minor disciplinary issue appears to have derailed his standing within the squad.

According to sources close to the dressing room, Pena arrived late to a pre-match meeting before the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, and from that moment on, the coaching staff lost trust.

Future uncertain

With a contract running until 2026, Pena’s future looks increasingly uncertain. Despite having a modest salary, just over €2 million per year, it has still proven to be a stumbling block for interested clubs, particularly those in La Liga with limited wage structures.

Inaki Pena is likely to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

While Barça would be open to facilitating his exit to ease the wage bill, the prospect of receiving a transfer fee is practically ruled out.

Pena’s struggles go far beyond the pitch. He has recently endured a deeply emotional period, dealing with the death of his father after a long illness, closely followed by the birth of his first child.

Despite these challenges, Pena is determined to revive his career. He wants a project where he can be a clear first-choice goalkeeper, and his agent is actively exploring options.

Clubs like Sevilla, Valencia and Celta Vigo have shown interest, but the financial reality is tough: few teams in Spain can accommodate his current salary.

There is even the possibility that Barcelona could loan him out until his contract expires, a move that would help both the club and the player.

Pena has time on his side, but it is clear he needs a change of scenery to rediscover his best form. For Barcelona, facilitating his exit could be a humane gesture as well as a practical one.