With Marc-André ter Stegen injured, Inaki Pena has returned to the limelight. Barcelona will have to react to the loss – and could thus push the number two away.
FC Barcelona have a goalkeeper problem. Of course, primarily because of the injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, who will be out for months with a torn patella tendon. The situation has been further exacerbated by the injury to Diego Kochen, the 18-year-old keeper prospect from the USA and the fourth choice between the posts, who will be out for a month due to injury.
This means that only two goalkeepers remain: Inaki Pena (25) and Ander Astralaga (20). It is doubtful that Barcelona will wait until the winter transfer window to sign a new keeper under these circumstances, even if the selection would not be limited to players without a club.
Rather, coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are said to have already put their heads together to define the requirements for the “quick fix”. Either it should probably be an experienced and established goalkeeper, such as former Real keeper Keylor Navas (37). Or someone with the right attitude, like Jordi Masip. The now 35-year-old was under contract with the Catalans for 13 years. Claudio Bravo (41) has also shown his willingness – even if it was unsolicited.
Either way, Inaki Pena will play a role this season, either as the one being challenged or as the challenger. The many speculations about a new signing are said to be a thorn in the side of the number two. It would actually be to his advantage if the club were to sign a club-less veteran quickly instead of waiting until the winter and getting a more well-known competitor.
Inaki Pena is confident he can fill in for ter Stegen. After all, it’s not a new role for the goalkeeper, who hails from Alicante and will be between the posts when Getafe visit on Wednesday. He filled in for the DFB keeper when he was injured last season. In 2023/24, he played 17 games, including ten in the league and two in the Champions League. The fact that Barcelona conceded 32 goals in these matches is noteworthy, although predecessor Xavi’s team can hardly be compared with the current one. A lot has changed under Flick, both in terms of personnel and tactics. Inaki Pena has been a solid presence in his appearances. No more, no less.
Substitute also for Galatasaray
Ironically, this is actually the third time that the “only” 1.84-meter-tall goalkeeper has benefited from an injury in a way and acted as a substitute. In January 2022, Galatasaray’s starting keeper Fernando Muslera was out for an extended period of time, and the backup keepers lacked the last bit of confidence. When a return of the loanee Okan Kocuk failed and BVB backup Roman Bürki also declined, the Turkish club set its sights on Inaki Pena. He made six appearances in his six months in the SüperLig – but then Muslera returned, as did Inaki Pena to Barcelona a little later.
He has long been an integral part of the team in Catalonia. In 2009, Villarreal were the first to bring him into their youth program from Alicante. He did so well at a youth tournament in 2011 that he was voted best player and attracted the interest of many big clubs, including Barcelona. In 2012, he found himself in La Masia, working his way up through the second team to become third goalkeeper and finally number two.
So now he is back in the spotlight – but will it stay that way? How Barcelona plan for the goalkeeper position will be the key question that Hansi Flick will have to answer in today’s press conference before the game against Getafe.