FC Barcelona is accelerating its squad reduction efforts ahead of the June 30 transfer deadline. Goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, returning from loan at Elche, is confirmed to leave the club.
Peña has one year remaining on his contract, extended to allow the loan. There are firm bids from two foreign clubs—Greece’s Panathinaikos and the Netherlands’ Feyenoord—both interested in the goalkeeper but unwilling to pay a transfer fee given Peña’s high wages.
Barcelona had hoped for a transfer fee or to include Peña in other deals, but the main priority is now to reduce the wage bill. The most likely scenario involves a free transfer with Barcelona retaining rights to future resale.
Panathinaikos, seeking a goalkeeper after Alban Lafont’s exit, is ready to offer a long-term contract with attractive salaries. Feyenoord previously targeted Italian goalkeeper Elia Caprile, but financial demands blocked that move, bringing Peña into focus.
Iñaki Peña favors a move abroad aiming for stability and more consistent playing time. During his loan at Elche, he started as first choice but lost the spot to veteran Dituro.
This transaction will help Barcelona save on wages, enabling compliance with La Liga’s financial regulations concerning salary thresholds and offering greater flexibility for the 2026/27 transfer market.
