FC Barcelona are set to lose arguably one of its most important players this past season, Iñigo Martinez. The defender is set to join Al Nassr this summer as a free agent as reports suggest the player will terminate his contract at Barcelona.
The news of Martinez’s departure shocked Barcelona fans, as the defender recently signed a contract extension that expired next summer. With Martinez leaving the club, there is concern regarding the depth of Barcelona’s depth.
With Barcelona letting go of the Spanish defender, many Barcelona fans are demanding a replacement, and reports suggest the club may not bring anyone in.
According to Sport from Spain, Barcelona is not sure about bringing in a new defender to replace Martinez unless they find a ‘market opportunity’ in the remainder of the summer transfer window.
The departure of Martinez does help Barcelona financially in terms of wages, as the club will free up around $16 million in the wage bill.
Barcelona’s options for the center back positions are now Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia.
Kounde and Garcia have played as right-backs this past season under Hansi Flick, with the French defender more experienced in the full-back position.
Martinez’s departure boosts the opportunity for the registration of Barcelona summer signing Marcus Rashford, who joins the club on loan with an option to buy at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Barcelona fans are upset with the departure of Martinez, and the defender has already left the club’s training ground after the news broke.
The summer transfer window closes on September 1, which allows time for Barcelona to look for potential replacements. The club is under pressure to bring at least one left-footed center back this summer ahead of the new season starting next weekend.
