Barcelona eager to discuss new contract with 25-year-old homegrown talent

Inaki Pena became the big talking point after Barcelona’s entertaining 5-4 win over SL Benfica in the Champions League last night.

The Spaniard had to settle for a place on the bench against Benfica. Wojciech Szczesny started in place of Pena in goal but endured a difficult game, where he gave away a goal and conceded a penalty.

Barcelona want to resolve Pena’s contract situation

In light of Pena’s snub against Benfica, a recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered a fresh update on the player’s future.

The report suggests Barcelona are eager to sit down with the Spanish goalkeeper and discuss a potential contract extension.

Barça are keen on extending the contract of Pena, which expires in 2026. The club would ideally want the goalkeeper to continue serving as the main alternative for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Szczesny was given the nod ahead of Pena against Benfica (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pena, for his part, has remained tight-lipped about his future. Barça, though, want to extend his contract regardless of whether or not he stays or leaves the club.

It appears the Catalans are keen on avoiding the scenario where Inaki Pena leaves the club on a free transfer.

But as mentioned earlier, the club would ideally have the Spaniard beyond 2026 and in time, become the first-choice goalkeeper. The coaching staff is quite happy with the way Pena has performed since Ter Stegen’s injury.

Pena, therefore, may soon have a decision to make. The Spaniard had joined the Barcelona academy as a child and now has to decide between staying at Barça and continuing to serve as the second fiddle or finding a new challenge elsewhere.

The prospect of becoming Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper will surely be more rewarding for Pena. But the idea of moving elsewhere and getting a quick headstart may also prove to be tempting for the Spanish shot-stopper.