Barcelona's sports planning has once again run into the wall of economic reality. Hansi Flick, aware that the market offers no room due to financial fair play, has had to turn to internal solutions to cover the absence of Íñigo Martínez.
The German coach, who especially valued the experience and authority of the Basque center-back, knows that his absence is a blow. However, he has already decided who will take on that role in the squad.
The decision has surprised the locker room and the club's environment. It doesn't fall to Ronald Araújo, the natural leader of the blaugrana defense. Flick has found an immediate solution in a homegrown youngster to a problem that seemed unsolvable without signings.
Fair play, an impassable wall
Barça remains constrained by financial restrictions. The board had explored the possibility of strengthening the defense, but any operation was soon ruled out. The numbers don't add up and no additions that would mean extra cost are being considered.
Flick, who already knew the scenario since his arrival, has accepted the situation and has chosen to give prominence to the youth academy.
In this context, the name of Gerard Martín emerges. The young footballer, who until now had been playing as a full-back, will be responsible for taking on the role left by Íñigo Martínez.
The decision isn't improvised. Flick had already tested him in training in that position and is convinced that Gerard can perform as a center-back.
Gerard Martín takes a step forward
The German coach sees in Gerard Martín the necessary qualities to adapt. His physique, his speed, his ability to concentrate, and his ease in playing the ball out from the back fit the playing style.
Although in theory he was trained to play on the wing, Flick believes that his evolution as a center-back can be very positive for the team.
The bet on Gerard Martín also creates a domino effect. Jofre Torrens, one of the season's major new faces, will take the full-back position left vacant by his teammate.
This way, Barça rearranges pieces from its youth academy to fill gaps in the first team. It shows that the commitment to La Masia remains essential when financial resources are scarce.
Strong competition in the back line
Gerard Martín won't have it easy. Ahead of him are big names like Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, and Jules Koundé. All of them are part of the main rotation, which makes it clear that the academy player will have to earn minutes little by little.
What does seem clear is that Flick counts on him. The coach has identified him as the direct alternative to the absence of Íñigo Martínez and trusts that his adaptation will be quick.
The fact that it's a low-cost solution fits with the club's delicate situation.
A cheap solution but full of trust
Ultimately, the absence of Íñigo Martínez won't bring signings, but it will give Gerard Martín the opportunity to prove himself in the first team. Flick is convinced that he has the necessary potential to grow and establish himself.
The German isn't thinking of Araújo as a specific replacement, but rather in giving a chance to one of the academy's gems.
Barça, constrained by fair play, is forced to look inward. In Gerard Martín it has found a solution that, although cheap, could become a key move for the season.