Barcelona put Inaki Pena renewal on stand-by until June

Barcelona have been busy behind the scenes to finalise the long-term stays of youngsters Gavi, Marc Casado, Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and most recently Pau Cubarsi until 30 June 2029. Much to Barca fans' delight, the same is set to be completed for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal with negotiations reportedly underway to also increase his stay in Cataluyna until 2029. However, Inaki Pena is the anomaly of this trend.
Standing to what 'Marca' and 'Mundo Deportivo' have informed, the 25-year-old goalkeeper has agreed with the club to put off the topic of a potential contract extension until the end of the season, as a decision on whether to continue together or part ways will be taken next summer. Pena's future at the club has been questioned after Szczesny took over his spot as first-choice goalkeeper for Hansi Flick's side.
The Alicante-born shot-stopper was demoted to the bench after arriving late to a training session ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Bilbao before losing his starting place for good against Benfica in the Champions League. Since then, the Spanish goalkeeper has been left on the bench as an unused substitute for six consecutive.
Pena's contract with the 'Blaugrana' expires on 30 June 2026 and it will be up to him native to make a decision regarding his future. His position as second-choice keeper could suffer a further setback with Ter Stegen set to return next season. Should Pena choose to leave Barcelona, the same source reports that many suitors are willing to make an effort to sign him.