While news about new incoming players at FC Barcelona are relatively slow during this winter window, a lot of work is still going on behind the scenes, especially related to sales and renewals.
Though these operations regarding renewals are beset with problems, especially those related to wage bill restrictions, recent reports from SPORT suggest that two such operations are almost completed, as Inaki Pena and Alejandro Balde have virtually signed their renewal contracts. The formal announcement for Pena’s contract can even be made in the next couple of days.
Inaki Pena has made quite a jump during the last few seasons and is now trusted by Xavi to be Ter Stegen’s lieutenant. The young keeper has already made his first team debut and has made appearances in some fringe games like a Champions League clash against Victoria Plzen and the Copa del Rey clash against Intercity.
He is also expected to play in the upcoming Copa Del Rey match against Ceuta. His renewed contract will run up to 2026, with his release clause going up to €60 million, and an accompanying increase in his salary.
Alejandro Balde has seen an even more sparkling rise in his valuation than Pena since the start of last season. The youngster is now being used by Xavi in an ever-increasing number of competitive games, with Alba’s age now making it difficult for him to keep going on like before.
This rise was symbolized by his selection for the Spanish national team in this year’s World Cup squad, and Barcelona are keen to tie him in for the long term and ward off interest from other clubs. As a result, his new contract will go on till 2027 and would involve a release clause of €1 Billion. However, a formal announcement of his renewal will only be made at the end of this season due to financial fair play limitations.
