Iñaki Peña expected to leave FC Barcelona this summer on a free transfer

FC Barcelona are preparing to part ways with goalkeeper Iñaki Peña this summer, allowing the 27-year-old to leave on a free transfer despite holding a contract that runs through June 30, 2029. The club plans to retain a sell-on clause, ensuring they’ll get a cut if Peña is eventually sold by his next employer.

Peña has spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Elche, and that arrangement wraps up on June 30, 2026. Rather than reporting back to Camp Nou for pre-season training, which kicks off around July 13, Peña is expected to skip it entirely. His preference is to move abroad rather than stay in La Liga.

A contract with years left, but no future in sight

Peña signed an extension with Barcelona that was supposed to secure his future at the club through 2029. The extension, which came before his loan move to Elche, looked at the time like a safety net for both parties. Barcelona could protect their asset’s value. Peña could have a fallback if things didn’t work out elsewhere.

Flick’s plans for Barcelona’s goalkeeping department apparently don’t include Peña, and the club has decided that letting him walk for free is preferable to forcing a player into a squad where he wouldn’t feature.

Where does Peña go next?

Peña’s stated preference for a move abroad rules out a straightforward La Liga transfer. Clubs in Turkey and Greece have reportedly shown interest, though nothing concrete has materialized as of mid-June 2026.

What this means for Barcelona’s goalkeeping plans

Peña’s departure, assuming it goes through as expected, simplifies Barcelona’s roster math. The club won’t be carrying a backup goalkeeper who doesn’t want to be there, and they free up a squad spot that can be allocated elsewhere.

For Peña himself, this provides a clean break, the freedom to choose his next club without a transfer fee scaring off suitors, and the chance to be a genuine first-choice goalkeeper somewhere.

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