There is no doubt that the serious injury suffered by Marc Andre Ter Stegen was a significant blow for FC Barcelona. The German shot-stopper might not be able to return to the field till the last phase of this season.
But luckily, his replacement, Inaki Pena, has given very little cause for complaint as the Blaugranes continue to await the return of their starting goalkeeper.
The La Masia graduate has been quite solid between the sticks, and Wojciech Szczesny, who was brought as an emergency measure following Ter Stegen’s injury, has not been able to get a sniff at the starting line-up.
However, despite his good performances, Ter Stegen’s return is expected to relegate Pena back to the bench once more, and this possibility can cause the Spaniard to rethink his future at Barcelona for the long term.
In such a scenario, Fichajes reports that he already has an option if he decides to leave the Blaugrana club in search of regular minutes on the pitch, as Girona is emerging as a likely destination for him for the next summer.
Girona had an impressive season in La Liga last year, earning them a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
The club has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing young talent, and their playing style under Michel emphasizes goalkeepers with exceptional ball-playing skills—qualities that align perfectly with Inaki Peña’s strengths. Additionally, Girona’s proximity to Barcelona could play a significant role in facilitating this potential move.
Peña’s future at Barcelona will largely depend on two key factors: his performances on the pitch and the role he is assigned within the squad. There is no doubt about his ability to excel in any team he plays for, but his journey over the coming months will ultimately shape his career trajectory.
