Sergio Peña to Sakaryaspor: Alianza Lima Scandal & Contract Termination

While Alianza Lima fans were still reeling from a midweek defeat to 2 de Mayo in Paraguay, Sergio Peña was preparing to travel to Turkey. The national team midfielder, one of three players suspended due to disciplinary issues and a pending investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, has finalized his move to Sakaryaspor, a team in the Turkish second division. Crucially, he now has his international transfer certificate in hand following a protracted contract termination process.

The situation surrounding Peña, Carlos Zambrano, and Miguel Trauco has been complex. Initially, Alianza Lima explored the possibility of loaning out Peña, while aiming to mutually terminate the contracts of Zambrano and Trauco. However, Peña’s willingness to cooperate ultimately led to a full rescission of his contract as well.

Negotiations with Alianza Lima stretched over several days and involved a financial settlement from the club to Peña, though reportedly less than would have been required for a dismissal for just cause. This willingness to compromise from both sides facilitated a quicker resolution.

The agreement allows Peña to pursue opportunities abroad without providing Alianza Lima any future financial benefit should he secure a transfer to another league. The swiftness of the deal was driven by the existing offer from Sakaryaspor.

Peña’s departure marks a significant shift for both the player and the club. He had rejoined Alianza Lima in mid-2025, signing a contract that extended through July 2028. The circumstances surrounding his exit are particularly sensitive, given the ongoing investigation. The club moved quickly to separate him from the first team alongside Zambrano and Trauco following the allegations made by an Argentine national.

The resolution of Peña’s contract, achieved through mutual agreement, avoids a potentially more costly and drawn-out legal battle. While Alianza Lima won’t directly profit from his move to Sakaryaspor, the swiftness of the agreement allows them to move forward without further disruption.

Peña’s return to European football comes at a turbulent time, overshadowed by the serious allegations he faces. His focus will now be on establishing himself at Sakaryaspor in the TFF First League, the Turkish second tier. The move represents a fresh start, albeit one complicated by the off-field issues that prompted his departure from Alianza Lima.

The club’s handling of the situation, navigating both the sporting and legal complexities, has been under scrutiny. The decision to suspend the three players and ultimately facilitate their departures reflects a desire to address the allegations seriously while also minimizing further disruption to the team. The financial implications of the contract terminations, while undisclosed in full, were clearly a factor in the negotiations.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by clubs when dealing with serious allegations against players. Balancing the need for due process with the responsibility to protect the club’s reputation and the well-being of all involved is a delicate task. Alianza Lima’s approach, while not without cost, appears to have prioritized a swift and decisive resolution.

Fernanda Huapaya of El Comercio reported that the negotiations were finalized on Wednesday, February 5th, 2026, allowing Peña to travel to Turkey and join Sakaryaspor’s training camp. The club will now look to move forward without the player, focusing on their Copa Libertadores campaign and domestic league commitments.