FC Barcelona keeps making changes to its squad ahead of next season. With the signings sorted out, Deco has started working on the departures. The most recent is Pau Víctor, who's headed to Braga for €12+3 million. The Catalan has left after one season with the first team and has vacated the number 18, which not long ago was worn by Jordi Alba.
Alba made this number famous in FC Barcelona's history, and now it seems it'll have a new owner. For the upcoming campaign, there will be changes in the numbers Barça players will wear. For example, Marcus Rashford has chosen number 14, while Lamine Yamal has switched from 19 to 10.
At the moment, only three numbers are currently available. One is 19, another is 22... The remaining one is 18, although this one won't be without an owner for long.
Jordi Alba gives the OK: number 18 already has a new owner
Culémania has revealed that number 18 will now belong to Gerard Martín, a left-back like Jordi Alba. Martín has not only decided to reject all the offers he's received, but he'll stay and do so with a first-team contract. After a good first season, the Catalan will leave behind his youth team number (35) to become a full-fledged member of the "seniors".
He has a contract until 2028, with a high release clause and the trust of Hansi Flick's coaching staff. Gerard Martín has managed to establish himself at the top level with strong performances and will now take the next step. Number 18 will be his, according to the aforementioned information, and he'll stay at Barça as an important member of the squad.
Gerard Martín: future at Barça
Gerard Martín has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season at FC Barcelona. At 23, the young left-back completed his first year with the first team dynamic, and he did so with high marks. In total, he played in 42 official matches, scoring 1 goal and providing 6 assists, consolidating himself as Alejandro Balde's regular backup.
Even though his role wasn't as a starter, Gerard Martín made the most of every opportunity he was given. His consistency, commitment, and ability to deliver during rotation moments allowed him to earn the trust of the coaching staff and the locker room. In high-pressure matches, he replied with seriousness, showing he can be a reliable alternative for the left flank.
After spending one year at La Masia, Gerard Martín has shown great maturity in his first year at the top level. His profile is different from Balde's: less explosive in terms of speed, but more solid defensively and with a notable ability to combine in short spaces. In addition, his ability to read the game has allowed him to adapt well to different systems.
The club is clear that his projection continues to rise, and they're not considering his departure. With a valid contract and more than acceptable performance, Barça trusts it'll keep developing his talent within the squad. Hansi Flick values his reliability and versatility, key factors in a squad that will face several challenges next season.
Quietly, Gerard Martín has become an important piece of the project. His first year couldn't have been more promising. Now, his goal is to keep growing and compete with Balde for the position on equal terms. He'll do so with Jordi Alba's number 18 on his back, following in the footsteps of his idol at Barça.