Barcelona is preparing for a crucial week, with the club expected to announce contract extensions for two important defenders.
Following the renewal of head coach Hansi Flick’s contract, the Catalan club is acting quickly to secure key players and establish some form of stability for both the national and European campaigns.
Barcelona already has Raphinha and Lamine Yamal’s extensions underway, meaning the club will secure their squad again for the 2025/26 season, along with these forthcoming defensive renewals.
The players are Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia, both of whom are pivotal to the head coach’s tactical plan. Martinez, 34, has already signed an extension to 2027, which will extend his contract period beyond the previous expiry date of 2026, as reported by Diario Sport.
Flick also has a contract for a period beyond 2027, and personally advocated for the renewal of Martinez, noting his experience and leadership.
Garcia’s situation is a little more complicated.
At 24 years old and under contract until 2026, Garcia is requesting an extension until 2029.
While finances are still being talked about, Flick’s guarantee that Garcia will be the head coach’s number one broke down all earlier uncertainty for the young player, who had developed earlier in the transfer window, particularly after the coach blocked Garcia’s transfer to Girona.
Garcia’s capacity to play as a centre-back, central midfielder, or right-back – especially impressive highlights performances against Inter and Real Madrid – has made him invaluable.
Flick has described his tactical plan to both players in person, as well as building a trust and relationship with them.
These two announcements are likely to come next week, creating a solid defensive core for Barcelona and a clear direction moving forward.
Not only are they renewing two very important people for the club, but they, in Fleck’s leadership, are marrying experience to flexibility.
While Barcelona figures through La Liga’s salary restrictions, these two players are important to reinforcing their competitiveness on a sustainable basis.
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