Inaki Pena pens contract extension with Barcelona

Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2026, as confirmed by the club.

The Spaniard’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of the season, and there has been a verbal agreement over a renewal for a long time.

A product of La Masia, Pena has been part of Barca’s first-team squad for years but has never featured regularly.

The deputy goalkeeper spent the last season on loan at Galatasaray as he was behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Neto in the pecking order.

After returning to Camp Nou last summer, Pena was promoted as second-choice keeper, with Neto moving to Bournemouth.

The Spanish keeper made his first-team debut in the Champions League group stage game against Viktoria Plzen earlier this season.

The new deal also contains a release clause worth €400 million.

Pena was one of the standout players of his peers in the youth ranks and has been touted as the successor to Ter Stegen due to the similarity in his playing style.

Ter Stegen has revived his form this season, re-establishing himself as one of the best keepers in Europe.

The German has kept a league-high 25 clean sheets, one shy of equalling the record for the most shut-outs in a single La Liga season.

While Ter Stegen’s stature will make things difficult for Pena, he appears to be ready to bide the time and wait for his opportunity.

Barca have another talented goalkeeper in Arnau Tenas in their ranks who has been serving as the third choice.

Tenas’ deal expires this summer, but Barca are looking to activate his two-year extension option.