The 2024-25 season has presented Iñaki Peña with a golden opportunity to prove himself as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper following Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term injury. Peña has stepped into the spotlight under Hansi Flick’s management with the German sidelined due to a complete patellar tendon rupture. While his performances have been inconsistent, recent games suggest signs of improvement, raising the question: should Barcelona renew his contract or wait until the end of the season to decide?

Peña’s Role in Flick’s System

Hansi Flick’s tactical system demands a goalkeeper who is comfortable playing out from the back, capable of quick distribution, and adept at making key saves under pressure. Peña, a product of La Masia, fits this mold stylistically but has struggled with consistency during his extended run as the starting goalkeeper.

Statistically, Peña has kept three clean sheets in nine La Liga matches this season, conceding nine goals at an average of 1.06 goals per 90 minutes. His save percentage stands at 66.67%, which is respectable but not exceptional for a club with Barcelona's ambitions. While these numbers highlight his ability to perform at a high level on occasion, they also reveal lapses in concentration and decision-making that have cost the team at crucial moments.

Inconsistencies and Recent Growth

Peña’s early-season performances were marred by inconsistency, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by errors in positioning and handling. 

However, recent weeks have shown signs of growth. In matches against top-tier opponents like Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, Peña demonstrated improved composure and shot-stopping ability. His confidence in commanding the penalty area and distributing the ball has also grown, aligning more closely with Flick’s tactical demands. These improvements suggest that Peña is beginning to adapt to the responsibilities of being Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper.

Contract Situation and External Interest

Peña’s current contract runs until 2026, but rumours of interest from other clubs, specifically in La Liga, have already surfaced. Given his age (25) and potential for further development, he remains an attractive prospect for teams looking for a long-term solution in goal. This external interest could pressure Barcelona to make a decision sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, Barcelona must weigh their options carefully. Ter Stegen is expected to return next season as the undisputed starter, which would likely see Peña relegated to a backup role once again. Offering him a new deal prematurely could lead to dissatisfaction if he desires regular first-team football elsewhere.

The Case for Patience

Given Peña’s mixed performances so far this season, it would be prudent for Barcelona to wait until the end of the campaign before making a final decision on his future. This approach allows the club to evaluate his progress over an entire season as the starting goalkeeper under Flick's system. If Peña continues to grow and proves himself capable of performing consistently at a high level, renewing his contract would be a logical step.

However, if his inconsistencies persist or worsen, Barcelona may need to explore alternative options in the transfer market or promote another goalkeeper from within their ranks. The January transfer window could also provide an opportunity to bring in short-term competition for Peña, further testing his resilience and ability to handle pressure.

Iñaki Peña's season so far has been one of ups and downs, reflecting both his potential and areas for improvement. While he has shown signs of growth in recent games under Hansi Flick's system, his overall inconsistency makes it difficult to justify an immediate contract renewal. By waiting until the end of the season, Barcelona can make a more informed decision based on his performance over an extended period.

For now, Peña remains an intriguing prospect who could either solidify his place as Ter Stegen's long-term successor or move on to pursue regular first-team football elsewhere. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether he truly has what it takes to be Barcelona's goalkeeper for years to come.