Barcelona’s key defender to move to Saudi Arabia for free

Barcelona has reportedly reached an agreement with Basque defender Iñigo Martínez. The experienced defender had previously signed a contract with Saudi Arabian giants Al Nasr.

On Thursday evening, reports emerged that Barcelona was in talks with Al Nasr regarding the transfer of the 34-year-old defender. Now, Fabrizio Romano claims the deal is complete, effectively terminating Martínez’s contract with the Catalan club. Although initial reports indicated a transfer fee of €8 million, the Daily Mail has confirmed the deal will be completed for free.

Barcelona’s Center-Back Options

Romano went on to say that Martinez’s contract includes a free-lease clause. It wasn’t until this spring that Barcelona agreed a new contract with Martinez, with an option for a second season. While Eric García and Jules Koundé can play in center-back, both will be deployed at right-back this season.

This means Hansi Flick will have to choose a player from Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, or possibly even Gerard Martín, who has been tested in that position in preseason, to partner Pau Kubalci. Currently, Barcelona has no plans to sign any player to replace Martinez.

Martínez to Join Saudi Arabian Club Al Nasr

With Aymeric Laporte in talks with Athletic Bilbao, Al Nasr has turned its attention to another Spanish international, hoping Martínez can replace him. The Basque defender received a lucrative offer he couldn’t refuse and will sign a one-year contract with the option to extend for another year. The Catalan daily reports that Barcelona had originally hoped to move a defender, but this would have freed up €8.4 million in salary cap space and allowed them to sign players like Joan García or Marcus Rashford.