Barcelona is focusing on freeing up budget ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window to facilitate new signings. Goalkeeper Inaki Pena has emerged as a primary candidate for departure, no longer fitting into manager Hansi Flick’s plans. The 27-year-old returned to Barcelona after a loan spell at Elche, where he featured in 16 matches during the 2025/26 season. Pena has expressed a desire to settle his future before the preseason begins.
While the club initially hoped to secure a transfer fee for Pena, current expectations suggest he will leave on a free transfer, although Barcelona retains a sell-on clause for any future sale. The club’s priority is to offload his substantial salary, easing registration of new players with La Liga for the 2026/27 season.
In addition to Pena, defenders including captain Ronald Araujo are also listed as possible departures. Araujo’s status has diminished considerably over the past year, dropping to fifth choice behind Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen according to manager plans. Although Barcelona is open to offers for Araujo, the player himself is keen to stay and fight for his place in the next campaign.
Should Flick make clear that Araujo is a backup option, the Uruguayan may opt to leave, which would provide Barcelona funds to pursue a world-class striker, with Julian Alvarez currently the top target.
Barcelona’s summer strategy centers on offloading high-wage players who no longer feature in the squad, allowing the club to financially support new signings and strengthen the team for the 2026/27 season.
