Inaki Pena is one of many promising players plying his trade at Barcelona. The young goalkeeper is currently serving as a second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but the club management is firm about his quality.
However, Pena has yet to showcase his quality at the highest level of football. Since returning from Galatasaray in the summer, the goalkeeper has featured in only one competitive game so far.
Despite that, Barcelona are sure about the quality of Pena and according to Diario AS, they are willing to hand him a contract extension.
Pena’s current contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season. Many believe that the goalkeeper may leave the club in the summer of 2023, but Barcelona are determined to keep hold of him.
The Catalans are sure that Pena has what it takes to become a long-term replacement for ter Stegen. The German international has been performing at the top of his game this season, but at the age of 30, the club want to set up a proper successor for the first-choice goalkeeper.
There was a layer of uncertainty hovering over the 23-year-old’s future at Barcelona. Having struggled with game-time, and an opportunity to leave the club for a free transfer in 2023, there were suggestions that the goalkeeper may opt to join a new club.
However, the report suggests Pena is tilting towards a contract extension, with Barcelona prepared to offer him a three year deal that will safeguard the player’s future at the club.
Pena’s contract extension could be accompanied by a renewal for another exciting young talent in the form of Alejandro Balde, while the club may also officiate the new deal for Gavi, providing they can circumvent the Financial Fair Play regulations in the coming month.