Barcelona veteran’s imminent renewal will help club register 24-year-old star – report

As Barcelona grapple with their financial issues, they are finding it difficult to complete the registration of some of their current stars.

Due to the same Financial Fair Play problems, the signing of Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City is getting delayed as well.

The La Liga champions are working full-time to find a solution to the problem. The €40 million due payment from Libero could solve the issue but with that yet to arrive, the Blaugrana are exploring other avenues.

One such option that the Catalans are set to activate is the contract renewal of captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

As has been reported already, the Blaugrana are set to extend the veteran goalkeeper’s contract until 2028, with the player agreeing to reduce his wages for the first two years of the deal, which would be covered in the latter seasons.

Ter Stegen’s renewal could help register Inaki Pena

It would help Barça create Fair Play margin, and Mundo Deportivo is reporting that it could allow the Catalan giants to register backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena.

The 24-year-old star is one of the players who is yet to be registered, along with Marcos Alonso and Inigo Martinez.

The La Masia graduate signed a new contract until 2026 earlier this year, but Fair Play problems have meant that the registration of the new deal is yet to take place.

With Pena unavailable for selection, Xavi has had to turn to teenager Ander Astralaga on the bench as the second-choice stopper for the first two matches of the season.

And, Barça now hope to ensure Pena’s registration with the margin created from Ter Stegen’s renewal, with the club planning to announce the new deal today or on Monday.