The Spain international was earmarked to replace Victor Valdes, who was heavily linked with a Camp Nou exit after confirming he will not extend his contract with the Spanish champions.
Monaco seemed best-placed to sign Valdes, but the goalkeeper committed to remain with Barca for the final season of his deal.
This also saw Reina's move to Catalunya fall through, as Liverpool sought to sell the 31-year-old following Simon Mignolet's £9million arrival from Sunderland.
Reina subsequently linked up with former Anfield boss Rafael Benitez on a season-long loan to Napoli, and has become first choice at Stadio San Paolo.
"A few months ago Pepe was in talks with Barcelona," Reina's father Miguel told Marca.
"They had an agreement and he was all set to go but then Victor Valdes didn't leave and the deal fell through."
With Valdes set to leave at the end of the season, Reina reportedly remains a target for Gerardo Martino, with Borussia Monchengladbach's Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Celtic keeper Fraser Forster also noted as possible replacements.
Reina began his career at Camp Nou and made 49 appearances for Barcelona before the emergence of Valdes saw him depart for Villarreal in 2002.
Bizarre Jose Mourinho statement aims to pre-empt punishment after Fenerbahce boss clashes with Galatasaray counterpart
'Andy Robertson has a decision to make as a player, where you either roll your sleeves up and give someone great competition or you accept decisions and say that your time is done.' Alan Shearer on the conundrum facing Arne Slot's Liverpool
