The future of Iñaki Peña at FC Barcelona is practically decided. The Alicante-born goalkeeper has one foot out of the club. He has made his decision and there's no turning back.
During the season, Iñaki Peña delivered every time he had the opportunity. His performance was remarkable when he had to take on the starting role. However, something changed during the Spanish Super Cup that Barça won in Saudi Arabia: Szczesny took his spot and he hasn't played since then.
Flick has lost Iñaki Peña's trust
The main reason for his discomfort has a name: Hansi Flick. The German coach hasn't convinced the young goalkeeper. According to sources close to him, Iñaki Peña believes the new coach hasn't been fair with him.
After Ter Stegen's injury, Iñaki took on the starting role with confidence. He put together solid and secure performances. Everything pointed to him staying in goal until the German's return.
But Flick surprised everyone with a controversial decision. The coach chose to bring Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement. He benched Iñaki despite his good form.
That move was the trigger for his frustration. Iñaki Peña understood he didn't have the coaching staff's trust. From that point on, he made the firm decision to look for a way out, but it's been anything but easy for him to find a destination.
No real offers and a complicated salary
What seemed like a simple move has become more complicated than expected. Iñaki Peña isn't part of the new project, but his exit is blocked. The reason? Financial, not sporting.
As of today, there aren't any teams willing to take on his current salary. It's not a matter of quality or performance. The salary he receives at Barça is too high for most interested clubs.
In this situation, the Catalan club is already studying solutions. The most feasible option is to give him a letter of freedom. That way, the goalkeeper could leave for free and negotiate a salary without a transfer fee involved.
This would give potential offers room to reach a salary agreement. At Barça, they prefer not to prolong the conflict. They want to solve his future as soon as possible to free up wage bill space.
The Iñaki Peña case has become a new open front for the sporting management. An unexpected mess that leaves the club in an uncomfortable position. All because of a decision that many in the locker room still don't understand.
Moreover, the situation has caused some internal discomfort. Some teammates believe the treatment Iñaki Peña has received is unfair. His departure, though quiet, has left a mark in the Barça locker room.