End of a 14-Year Barcelona Journey
After 14 years at Barcelona, Iñaki Peña is on the verge of beginning a new chapter in his career. The La Masia graduate is set to join Panathinaikos in a deal worth €3 million.
The player will sign a 3-year deal plus an option to extend for another year with Panathinaikos. The player will undergo medicals with the Greek club on Monday and will be followed by signing an official contract, (Reports SPORT)[https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/inaki-pena-panathinaikos-tres-anos-131679463].
From La Masia to the First Team
This transfer marks an end to Iñaki Peña's 14-year journey with Barcelona. The Spaniard joined La Masia in 2012 at the age of 12 and debuted for the Barcelona senior team in 2022. Pena was a backup goalkeeper to Ter Stegen for years and failed to be a regular starter at Blaugrana. Upon the arrival of Szezeny and Joan Garcia, Inaki Pena lost his spot in the squad, which eventually led to a loan to Elche and a transfer to Panathinaikos.
Financial Boost for the Blaugrana
Barcelona had an issue of a crowded goalkeeping department with Iñaki Peña, Joan García, ter Stegen, and Szczesny on the team; following the departure of Iñaki Peña, Barcelona gained €3 million as pure profit. The club also relieved his salary of €2.5 million from the books, which will be useful to register more players.
What Comes Next for Barcelona
Barcelona is also expecting the departure of Marc-André ter Stegen from the club following expiration of his loan period at Girona, so Barca can sign a backup goalkeeper to Joan Garcia along with Szczęsny.
