In an attempt to reinforce their team for next season, Barcelona have made an extensive list of players they could bring in for as little money as possible. This includes multiple free agents; a list ranging from Lionel Messi to Inigo Martinez.
Messi’s singing is complicated due to the financial feasibility plan submitted to La Liga, and the player’s desire to refuse other proposals on the table in favour of Barça.
On the other hand, it seems Barcelona have already locked up Inigo’s arrival, as per reports. The Spaniard is set to leave Athletic Club as a free agent in the summer, and the same has been confirmed by coach Ernesto Valverde.
“So far Balenziaga is the one who announced that he was leaving the club and it is expected that there may be some more departures, as in the case of Iñigo Martínez, but nothing more. We have to wait,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Martinez will join Barcelona and likely slot in as the fourth-choice centre-back, behind Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde.
Marcos Alonso and Eric Garcia are currently shuffling for that role, but the former is expected to slot in as Alejandro Balde’s backup at left-back next season with Jordi Alba leaving the club.
Garcia, meanwhile, has been playing as a defensive midfielder every now and then, and could be asked to continue to train in that role, especially with Sergio Busquets leaving the club this year now that his contract has expired.
Martinez has played just 15 games this season, but has been largely impressive for Athletic Club across his appearances. His arrival as a free agent would go a long way in reinforcing Barcelona’s defence and adding some much-needed depth.
