Barça: Iñaki Peña discusses his departure

Europe 02 October 2025 at 15:10

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Loaned out this season to Elche, Spanish goalkeeper Iñaki Peña (26) has opened up about the challenges he faced before leaving FC Barcelona.

Long rumored to be heading for a permanent exit, Peña ultimately extended his contract with Barça before being sent out on loan. The situation was a frustrating one for the player, who explains:

I played 25 or 26 matches last season, but there's a bitter taste when you don't feature in the final months.

The shot-stopper also admits that the move to Elche took time to materialize:

Barcelona asked me to wait for the registration of the goalkeepers. I have a contract, but I need to play as much as possible and get some continuity. That's what I've been missing in recent years to take the next step.

Peña eventually found confidence under Elche's coach, Éder Sarabia:

He knows my strengths and I know what he expects from me. We talked a lot this summer and he showed his faith in me, which isn't something you see at every club.

A fresh start, then, with the goal of regaining rhythm and finally finding some stability between the posts.