Barcelona have been pretty inactive in the summer transfer window mainly due to their financial constraints, but they still have made a couple of notable signings in Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford.
While the latter moved to Camp Nou on loan from Manchester United, the former made a permanent switch from their city rivals Espanyol.
The Blaugrana need player sales to generate more funds to register their players for the upcoming season.
According to reports via Matteo Moretto, veteran defender Inigo Martinez could leave Barcelona as he is linked with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr.
Later, Fabrizio Romano also reiterated the same scenario while suggesting that multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in the Spanish centre-back, including Al Nassr.
This is a major development for the Catalans as Inigo was one of the first names in the team sheet for them last season as they won three trophies and he played significant role in all of them.
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The 34-year-old’s game awareness and experience was highly valued at Camp Nou as he quickly adapted to Hansi Flick’s high-line defensive setup and was a key player in leading the defence.
Barcelona were extremely pleased with his performances last season and offered him a fresh contract rather than triggering the one-year extension clause that was already present in his existing deal.
Therefore, it is slightly surprising for the La Liga champions to see him initiate talks with Saudi Arabia clubs about moving out of Camp Nou this summer.
Why could Inigo Martinez move out of Barcelona?
Inigo didn’t feature in Barcelona’s preseason games due to some fatigue issues and since then there were some murmurs about his future at the club.
The Basque defender is already 34 and probably feels that this is the right to move to Saudi Arabia.
With Pau Cubarsi taking a pivotal role in defence alongside Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, Inigo’s minutes next season could take a massive hit and therefore he has decided to move on for a new adventure in Saudi Arabia.
In all fairness, this won’t be the worst scenario for Barcelona as his transfer will free up some salary space, which could be vital in registering new players.
Al Nassr have shown great intent in the transfer window and signing Inigo will only reinstate that stance as Cristiano Ronaldo-led outfit are aiming to win the Saudi Pro League title next season.
The 34-year-old featured in 46 matches last season and apart from his astute defending, he also stepped up with three goals and four assists in a dominant campaign for Barcelona.
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