Inaki Pena kept four clean sheets in 16 league appearances during his loan spell at Elche last season. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Barcelona has agreed a deal for goalkeeper Inaki Pena to join Greek club Panathinaikos after a season on loan at Elche, the La Liga champion said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Spaniard joined Barcelona’s youth system in 2012 and made his first-team debut in 2023 after a loan spell at Galatasaray. He made 28 La Liga appearances for Barcelona, keeping 10 clean sheets.

When Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a long-term knee injury in 2024, coach Hansi Flick turned to Pena as the German’s replacement.

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At Elche, Pena played 16 league matches, keeping four clean sheets, and played a key role in the 2-2 draw against Real Madrid in November with a superb save to deny Kylian Mbappe.

“FC Barcelona would like to publicly thank Inaki Pena for his commitment, professionalism and dedication during his time in blaugrana and wishes him all the best,” Barcelona said in a statement.

Published on Jun 23, 2026