Iñigo Martínez is set to leave FC Barcelona for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, marking the departure of a key player known for his leadership within the squad. The veteran defender, who has been an influential figure this season under manager Hansi Flick, was a free transfer to Barcelona last summer from Athletic Club. With one year remaining on his contract, he bid farewell to his teammates and is expected to finalize his move shortly, generating €14 million in financial fair play for the club.
Martínez, now 34, chose to pursue this lucrative opportunity in Saudi Arabia, which has been appealing for players given its financial incentives. Prior to this decision, he missed the final two friendlies during the club’s Asian tour due to fatigue while negotiating his transfer agreement. Hansi Flick had recently begun experimenting with other defensive options, including Gerard Martín, indicating that Martínez’s departure was anticipated.
The decision was mutually agreed upon, as the club’s sporting director, Deco, had insights into the need for restructuring the defensive lineup, considering other available players like Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen. Deco had prioritized Christensen for transfer, but ultimately, it was Martínez who departed first.
During his time at Barcelona, Martínez accumulated nearly 4,000 minutes on the pitch across all competitions this season, establishing himself as a crucial player alongside Pau Cubarsí. His consistency and experience elevated his role within the team, but with the opportunity to explore new horizons, he has chosen to depart.
With Iñigo’s exit and others, Barcelona has successfully created a financial buffer of €35 million through player departures, which is significant as they aim to comply with LaLiga’s financial regulations. They are also navigating various strategies to enhance their revenue, including a recent deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo to display its emblem on training materials for a substantial fee.
This transition for Martínez is seen as a new chapter in his career, promising excitement as he embarks on this new journey while also allowing Barcelona to optimize their squad dynamics and financial positioning moving forward.