Iñaki Peña continues to be rumored as a possible reinforcement for several LaLiga clubs. The latest to join the list of those interested in the Alicante native is none other than Espanyol. The 'periquito' team is looking for another goalkeeper after the departure of Joan García to FC Barcelona, an operation that left 25 million euros in their coffers.
The team led by Manolo González has already closed the incorporation of Marko Dmitrovic, who left Leganés with a letter of freedom after the 'cucumber growers' relegation was consummated. The experienced Serbian goalkeeper signed for three seasons, until June 2028, but he will not be the only bet in the 'blanquiazul' goal.
And it is that Dmitrovic, beyond his experience in LaLiga (he has been in Spain for eight seasons), will turn 34 in January and, in 24/25, he could not do anything to prevent Lega's relegation. In total, the Subotica native received 49 goals in 32 games (1.53 per game) in the League.
Iñaki prioritizes being a protagonist in 25/26: is Espanyol his best option?
In that sense, the bet on Iñaki Peña looks sensible, with the Alicante native being a still young goalkeeper (26 years old) and with experience in Europe. The Barça youth player was on loan at Galatasaray for a semester in 2022 and has accumulated 45 appearances with the first team. In them he received 64 goals (1.42 per game), with a total of 11 clean sheets.
However, the '13' culé only sees it feasible to go to a team where he has high chances of being a starter. In Cornellà he would have to share the spotlight with a Dmitrovic accustomed to starting in Eibar, Sevilla and Leganés.
In addition to the 'periquito' team, the Alicante native was rumored as a possible reinforcement for Celta and Valencia, but both options have vanished as the days go by. The Galicians signed Andrei Radu (Romanian), while the 'ché' team has opted for the Basque Julen Agirrezabala (Ahtletic).
Also Galatasaray was rumored as a possible destination for the Spaniard, but the Turks prefer to bet on a goalkeeper with more experience (Ter Stegen, his favorite). Another name that has sounded on the radar of the Ottomans is Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid), in addition to the Serbian Djordje Petrovic (Chelsea).
What is certain is that Peña must leave Barça as soon as possible. The signing of Joan García and the imminent renewal of Wojciech Szczesny leave him without a place in the squad, regardless of what happens with Ter Stegen. In addition, his contract ends in 2026 and neither party wants to renew.
Espanyol would only sign Iñaki Peña with a letter of freedom
However, Espanyol does not see it feasible to pay compensation to Barça for the transfer of Iñaki Peña, even when the transfer could be closed for an amount less than 10 million euros. The Alicante native is listed for around €8M in Transfermarkt and, entering his last year of contract, Barça can even offer him a letter of freedom to facilitate his departure.
This route would be the most feasible for the 'periquito' team, which already secured the signing of Marko Dmitrovic in the same way. In any case, there is still enough time for the 26-year-old goalkeeper to wait for the best offer, while the culés continue to advance the farewell of the rest of their discards, starting with Ansu Fati, who has his departure to Monaco well underway.
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