One of the areas at FC Barcelona that has experienced the most ups and downs has been the goalkeeping position. Without a doubt, Ter Stegen's injury, Iñaki Peña's sudden benching, and the signing of the retired Szczesny have been much talked about. For Barça fans, the goalkeeper situation has been like a roller coaster.
First, Ter Stegen's starting position was cut short due to the injury at the beginning of the season. With that, Iñaki Peña became the main goalkeeper for FC Barcelona. The Alicante native had more than accepted his bench role behind the German, and it was then that he saw his opportunity to make the most of it.
Yes, but no
Iñaki Peña has always waited for his opportunity without complaining. No bad behavior is known from the player who, when the coach needed him, delivered. However, Barça chose to bring Szczesny out of retirement, who has been the starter all season in all competitions.
Despite the great performances by the Valencian, Hansi Flick didn't have the best feelings about the goalkeeper. The Polish goalkeeper, Szczesny, did convince the German, although he still had Iñaki Peña as a backup. That's why the Alicante native is clear that he will leave FC Barcelona this season: he will seek his place away from Camp Nou.
Iñaki Peña has offers on the table
It is known that a couple of offers for Iñaki Peña have reached Joan Laporta's offices. The first of them comes from LaLiga, specifically from Celta. The only problem they see from Vigo is his price: 10 million euros that they can't afford from Balaídos.
Also, the call from Galatasaray has emerged as the latest news, which seems to be his most likely destination. The Turks, the new champions of their country, have inquired again about Iñaki Peña. The goalkeeper already played at RAMS Park on loan in 2022 and convinced the Ottomans a lot.
FC Barcelona may change goalkeepers for the next season, but even so, Iñaki Peña was the most singled out. It is true that the performances of the three keepers have left more doubts than desired at a general level. The youth player, in fact, has been the one who has pleasantly surprised the most with his saves and stops.
Meanwhile, Ter Stegen's level was already seen to be diminished before the injury, and Szczesny can't be asked for more either. Joan Laporta brought him out of retirement, and he has fulfilled as best he could. He has gone from more to less, but he has covered the need for which he was called.
Serious doubts in FC Barcelona's goalkeeping for the next season. A tough job awaits Deco, Joan Laporta, and Hansi Flick.