Barcelona ready to hand 25-year-old star a new deal, set to start talks in the coming months - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly planning to offer a new contract to Inaki Pena. The Spanish goalkeeper, whose current contract will expire in the summer of 2026, has been a key asset in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The 25-year-old is a La Masia graduate and has been with the Catalan giants since the beginning of his professional career. In 2022, he was promoted to the senior side and started serving as a second-choice goalkeeper behind German shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
In Ter Stegen's absence following a season-ending knee injury against Villarreal (September 22), Inaki Pena has produced some fine performances for the Catalan giants. The Spaniard has played eight games for Barcelona across competitions this season, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just six goals.
According to a report by Sport (via Tribal Football), Barcelona are considering the renewal of Inaki Pena's contract, with negotiations reported to begin in the coming months. However, the report also stated that no formal talks have begun.
Pena's talent in between the sticks was on display in Barcelona's last LaLiga game against Real Madrid. The Spaniard made four crucial saves in Barca's 4-0 thumping of Los Blancos at Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.
Inaki Pena was commanding at the back, marshaling the Blaugrana backline and standing tall against Real Madrid's star-studded attack. He even ran out of the penalty box to neutralize two clear chances made by the home side. As a result, the visitors kept their first clean sheet against Real Madrid in seven games.
(The abovementioned stats are taken from Sofascore on October 30, 2024. The site is privately owned and may change the stats as per its prerogative)
Barcelona keen to offer Raphinha a new deal following interest from Saudi: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly willing to offer a new contract to Brazilian superstar Raphinha amid interest from an anonymous Saudi Pro League outfit. Raphinha has been one of the best wingers in Europe this season, registering 10 goals and nine assists in 14 matches under Hansi Flick.
According to a report by Sport (via Football Espana), Raphinha is next in the pecking order to get a contract renewal after Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie de Jong. The Brazilian still has three more years in his current contract (which ends in 2027) but is reportedly willing to commit to a longer period to his current club.
According to another report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via beIN Sports), there is growing interest in Raphinha from an unnamed Saudin club. The club is reportedly willing to splurge around €100 million for the winger. However, the Brazilian has no intentions of leaving Barcelona.
It will be interesting to see if the anonymous Saudi outfit makes a formal offer for the Brazilian superstar in the winter transfer window.