Barcelona in advanced talks to sign Atlético Madrid defender

Barcelona is about to lose a center-back in Óñigo Martínez, but the reigning La Liga champions could now be looking to secure a replacement.

Spina Won’t Directly Replace Martinez

Spina isn’t a potential replacement for Martinez, but his arrival would continue Barcelona’s efforts to improve their youth team selection. He is considered capable of progressing to the first team in the coming years, and that opportunity could arrive soon—if he does indeed move to Catalonia.

Martínez’s impending move to Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al Nasr means Barcelona will be short on options at center back. Hansi Flick already has the trio of Pau Kubalci, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen at his disposal. Jules Koundé and Eric García are also natural center-backs, though they are expected to compete at right-back, where Gerard Martín also had a trial during preseason.

Due to the club’s well-known financial struggles, it’s uncertain whether a replacement of equal caliber can be signed. Therefore, La Masia could still potentially bring in a young player, although a rising star might already be signed with the intention of operating between the first team and Atlético Barcelona, which was Rooney Baldeggi’s original plan.

That player could be Jerónimo Spina. According to Cazurreando (via Sport), Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are in talks regarding the transfer of the young Argentine.

Spina’s arrival at Atlético Madrid sparked controversy in Argentina two years ago, and he remains far from breaking into the first-team squad at the Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium, leading to him being in talks with Barcelona about a transfer. An agreement has yet to be reached, but given the advanced stages of negotiations between the two clubs, one is expected soon.