Inaki Pena left waiting on future decision as Barcelona block goalkeeper's transfer due to Joan Garcia registration uncertainty

Barca have placed Pena’s proposed transfer on hold as the club has yet to register new signings Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny with La Liga, according to a report from Sport. Until both goalkeepers are officially registered, the Catalan side will not give the green light to Pena's departure. The 26-year-old was included in Hansi Flick’s pre-season squad for the Asia tour, remaining the only fit and registered goalkeeper following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s surgery.

Barcelona’s goalkeeping department is undergoing a major overhaul this summer, with the club aiming to have Garcia and Szczesny as the primary options. Pena, whose contract runs until 2026, has long been informed that he is not part of Flick’s plans and has fielded offers from several clubs, including Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Galatasaray. However, with the club needing to contend with La Liga’s registration rules and Ter Stegen's unavailability, a move is only possible once at least one of Garcia or Szczesny is registered. Barcelona are under pressure to resolve these registrations before the opening day against Mallorca in three weeks.

Barcelona currently have four senior goalkeepers under contract, with only Pena eligible to play at the start of the new La Liga season if registrations are not completed in time. Garcia, signed from Espanyol, and Szczesny, re-signed after his contract lapsed at the end of June, are expected to take the top two spots but cannot feature until formal registration is finalised.

If Barcelona secure registration for Garcia or Szczesny before the start of the season, Pena's transfer should proceed swiftly, with Spanish and international clubs awaiting the green light for negotiations. Should complications persist, Pena may be forced to remain at Barca until at least one registration is processed. The club’s aim remains to finalise his departure before the end of the summer window, but strict financial regulations and tight timelines could lead to further delays.