‘It’s a Bitter Feeling’ – Inaki Peña Reveals Barcelona Pressured Him to Delay Summer Transfer

From Barcelona Starter to Bench Warmer

For much of last season, Inaki Peña’s career at Barcelona seemed to be entering a defining chapter. The young goalkeeper, long groomed as Marc-André ter Stegen’s understudy, was thrust into the spotlight when the German shot-stopper suffered an ACL injury just a month into the campaign. Peña stepped into the role with confidence, racking up appearances and even producing one of the standout performances of the season in a 4–0 Clasico demolition of Real Madrid.

But what started as a breakthrough quickly turned into frustration. In October, Barcelona made the surprise decision to bring veteran Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement and sign him until the end of the season. Initially, Peña continued to feature, but by January the tide had turned. In the Supercopa de España, Szczesny was handed his first start and from that moment, the Pole became Hansi Flick’s preferred option between the posts.

Peña, who had been promised continuity, was left sidelined. He finished the season with 23 appearances, but the way his campaign ended left him with what he describes as a “bitter taste.”

Inaki Peña’s Summer Struggles Amid Barcelona’s Registration Woes

The summer offered a chance for a reset, but it quickly descended into another episode of frustration. Barcelona’s plans revolved around extending Szczesny’s contract after his impressive half-season, while also finalising the arrival of Joan García from Espanyol, who was earmarked as a long-term solution. With Ter Stegen also expected to return from injury, Peña’s role at the club looked increasingly redundant.

Naturally, he began to explore options for a move. Clubs across Europe — including Galatasaray and Serie A side Como — had shown interest in acquiring his services. Yet every time Peña and his representatives tried to move forward, the same obstacle emerged: Barcelona’s ongoing registration crisis.

The Catalans’ fragile financial state meant that both Szczesny’s extension and García’s registration required delicate timing. Until those matters were resolved, Peña was told he could not leave. The club pressured him to “wait,” effectively blocking his exit, despite the goalkeeper’s desire to secure regular minutes elsewhere.

“It was obvious that I was going to leave,” Peña admitted later. “But Barca asked me to wait until they registered the goalkeepers. Obviously, it was going to be easy because I had a contract, but I needed to play as many games as possible and have continuity, which is what I’ve been lacking in recent years to make the leap.”

By the time Barcelona got their house in order, potential suitors had already moved on. Peña, out of patience but still bound by his contract, reluctantly signed a three-year extension with Barcelona before accepting a loan move to newly-promoted Elche.

Inaki Peña Criticises Barcelona for Asking Him to Delay Summer Transfer

Wojciech Szczesny Inaki Pena Barcelona

Peña’s frustration came spilling out at his Elche unveiling, where he spoke candidly about his situation. His words reflected both disappointment and determination.

“I played 25 or 26 games, but you’re left with a bitter taste in your mouth when you haven’t played for the last few months,” he told reporters. “I needed continuity, and that’s what I haven’t had. Barca asked me to wait until they registered the goalkeepers, and I understood, but it delayed everything. I just wanted to be playing, not sitting around waiting for paperwork.”

The 25-year-old also revealed how conversations with Elche’s head coach Eder Sarabia proved decisive. “I spoke to him several times in the summer, but Barca wouldn’t let me leave until they had registered their goalkeepers. He gave me confidence and told me they were waiting for me, something not all clubs do. That mattered to me.”

A New Chapter at Elche: Peña’s Loan Move

For Peña, the move to Elche represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Newly promoted and keen to establish themselves in La Liga, the club is relying on his pedigree to provide stability at the back. Peña made his debut on September 21, helping Elche to a 1–0 win over Real Oviedo. He followed that up with another solid outing in a 1–1 draw against Osasuna.

But it won’t be handed to him on a plate. Veteran Argentine goalkeeper Matías Dituro, 38, remains a strong competitor for the No.1 spot, having started five matches. The battle for starting minutes at Elche could prove just as fierce as the one he left behind at Camp Nou.

That said, the Alicante-born keeper sees the move as a chance to reset and build momentum. Elche remain one of only two unbeaten sides in La Liga, alongside Barcelona, and Peña’s ambition is to play a central role in sustaining that run.

From ‘Bitter Feeling’ to Fresh Motivation

Peña’s story is, in many ways, a reflection of Barcelona’s chaotic recent history. Talented players have often found themselves caught up in the club’s financial struggles and administrative hurdles, leaving careers hanging in the balance. For Peña, the last year has been a mix of pride and pain: pride in stepping up when needed, but pain in seeing his place stripped away despite performing well.

Still, he refuses to dwell on the negatives. “It’s true, it’s a bitter feeling,” he admitted. “But at the same time, it’s motivation. I know what I can give, I know I can perform at this level, and now it’s about proving it every week. What I want is continuity. That’s the most important thing for a goalkeeper.”

What Comes Next for Inaki Peña?

CA Osasuna v Elche CF – LaLiga EA Sports

Looking ahead, Peña has a clear mission: to re-establish himself as a reliable first-choice goalkeeper and to show that he belongs at the highest level. His contract extension with Barcelona means his long-term future is technically still tied to the Camp Nou. Whether he returns as a serious challenger or as a player looking for a permanent exit will depend on what he achieves during his loan at Elche.

For now, though, his focus is entirely on the present. With Sarabia’s backing, a motivated squad around him, and a fan base eager to see him succeed, Peña has the platform he needs. And for a player who spent too long waiting on decisions he couldn’t control, that alone feels like a victory.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale From Camp Nou

Inaki Peña’s saga highlights the precarious position many squad players find themselves in at big clubs. One moment, you’re stepping into the limelight in the biggest games of the season; the next, you’re surplus to requirements, blocked from leaving, and forced to wait as boardroom politics play out.

For Barcelona, Peña’s complaints serve as another reminder of the human cost of their ongoing financial battles. For Elche, his arrival is an opportunity to add genuine quality to their squad.

As Peña himself put it, the feeling is bittersweet. But with a fresh start on the horizon, the goalkeeper knows the only way to silence doubts is to prove himself on the pitch — week in, week out.