Football/ Mercato/ Iñaki Peña departs Barcelona for Greek adventure -

Barcelona have confirmed the permanent transfer of goalkeeper Iñaki Peña to Panathinaikos, with the Greek club securing his services for a reported €3 million.

The 27-year-old Spanish shot-stopper leaves Catalonia after 14 years at the club, having joined Barcelona’s youth system from Villarreal in 2012. Despite graduating through La Masia and making his first-team debut in January 2023, Peña struggled to displace Marc-André ter Stegen as the undisputed number one.

Loan spells at Galatasaray (2021/22) and Elche last season offered valuable experience but ultimately couldn’t guarantee him a future at the Camp Nou. With a contract running until 2029, Barcelona have opted to cash in rather than continue loaning him out.

The move to Athens represents a fresh start for Peña, who now seeks regular first-team football—something that proved elusive at Barcelona. The Greek giants will provide him with the platform to showcase his abilities consistently.

Barcelona offered their farewell, thanking the keeper for his « commitment, professionalism and dedication » during his blaugrana tenure. For Peña, the time has come to write a new chapter far from Catalonia, one where he finally steps out of the shadows.