Barca academy graduate stops new contract talks

Jacque Talbot

• 25 Feb 2023 16:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Inaka Pena’s discussions with Barcelona over a fresh deal has hit a snag.

A report in Mundo Deportivo states that though the two parties have been in locked in talks over a new deal, there is now an impasse.

The goalkeeper went on loan to Galatasaray in January of last year but now back at the Nou Camp, he remains.

READ MORE: Barcelona and Real Madrid locked in battle for Bundesliga wonderkid

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is sporting the number one spot in goal for the Catalan side and so Pena has now managed to make three appearances this season so far.

It is reported that Real Betis are keen on the Barca academy graduate - while during the winter window, Galatasaray wanted him back playing in the Super Lig.

The 23-year-old’s contract is up in 2023 and so far there has been no progress over signing an extension.

Barcelona have spent months working on a fresh deal for Pena and it is thought that his representatives still hold out hope that he will continue to play for the club in the long term and an agreement can be made.

Dressing room disharmony

Robert Lewandowski was reportedly involved in a post-match bust-up with team-mate Ansu Fati mid-week.

After Barcelona were knocked out of the Europa League to Manchester United at Old Trafford, losing 2-1, the veteran striker and the winger allegedly locked horns.

Lewandowski, who scored from the penalty spot on the night, could been seen visibly frustrated later in the contest after Fati got in the way of a cross heading his way.

And tempers flared even back to the dressing room, according to AS.

The 34-year-old confronted Fati over the move, saying it wasn't the first time it had happened, albeit in a polite way.

Fati has been linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer, with Arsenal and Man Utd reportedly keen, but the sounds are that he wishes to stay and fight for his place.