Barcelona have been busy managing their squad overhaul this summer, balancing the urgency to bring in new talent with the need to trim their wage bill amid La Liga’s strict financial fair play rules.
The Catalan giants have recently secured high-profile signings but must also make space for registrations, making departures as crucial as arrivals.
Defensive reinforcements are on the radar for manager Hansi Flick, but some seasoned campaigners are heading for the exit door, signaling a shift in the club’s defensive core.
The summer market continues to shift rapidly, with teams across Europe and beyond snapping up experienced players to bolster their ranks.
One notable exit edging closer to completion is that of veteran defender Inigo Martinez.
The 34-year-old, who joined Barcelona as a free agent two years ago, is set to finalise a move to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr.
The deal reportedly includes a one-year contract with an optional second season, subject to performance clauses and the player’s discretion.
This follows some last-minute negotiations over the contract length, with Inigo Martinez initially insisting on a guaranteed two-year deal.
According to Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah (via SPORT), Martinez will earn around €10 million net per season at Al-Nassr, a substantial increase on his Barcelona salary, where he was reportedly on about €7 million net annually.
The move will reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, with coach Jorge Jesus pushing for his signing as part of a wider squad refresh at the Saudi club.
The transfer frees up significant salary space at Barcelona, where Martinez’s gross pay was around €14 million per year.
His departure will ease the club’s financial constraints and allow room to register new signings and contract renewals, a vital step as Barcelona aim to rebuild a competitive squad for the season ahead.
Martinez is expected to formalise his contract termination with Barcelona imminently and then travel to Saudi Arabia to complete the signing.
His farewell to teammates marks the end of a two-year chapter with the Blaugrana and the beginning of a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League.
Barcelona’s defensive reshuffle is now underway, and this exit paves the way for fresh faces as the club seeks to climb back to the summit of European football.
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