Barcelona could push 25-year-old La Masia product towards exit with transfer decision

With Marc-Andre ter Stegen set to miss the remainder of the season, the spotlight is on Inaki Pena, who is expected to step into the role of the starting goalkeeper.

The 25-year-old La Masia graduate, who replaced Ter Stegen after his injury against Villarreal, will now be the first-choice shot-stopper for the time being.

But Barça have already made a decision to sign another goalkeeper to replace their captain, as they believe it would be imprudent to rely only on Pena and youngsters like Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen.

New goalkeeping signing could impact Pena’s future

Now, MARCA reports that how Barcelona proceed with their recruitment of a new goalkeeper could have major implications for the future of Inaki Pena at the club.

Pena has a contract with Barça until the summer of 2026 and as per the report, the Spanish shot-stopper was considering a potential renewal this season.

Pena’s contract expires in 2026. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

However, those plans could be scuppered entirely if the Catalans decide to sign a new goalkeeper who ends up being ahead of the La Masia graduate in the pecking order.

Such a move would signal to Pena that his future at the club is uncertain, potentially pushing him towards leaving the club, either next year or in 2026 when his contract ends.

For now, though, as per SPORT’s Toni Juanmarti, even if Barcelona were to sign an experienced goalkeeper now, it would not necessarily mean he would take the starting position.

Pena is still favoured to remain the primary choice for the role, and the idea of having an additional goalkeeper is to provide the club with greater security in case of unforeseen circumstances.