Íñigo Martínez has surprised everyone in the last few hours by accepting a strong offer from Saudi Arabia, where he will join Al-Nassr. At 34 years old, the Basque center-back has received an offer he couldn't refuse and, after thinking it over carefully, he has chosen to leave FC Barcelona. He has done so, leaving a gap that's hard to fill among Barcelona fans, being sent off with honors and without leaving a single euro in the club's coffers, although freeing up about €14 million ($14 million) in salary mass.
Laporta already has the ideal replacement for Íñigo Martínez
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Barça has already started working to find a top-level replacement for the Basque player. He won't arrive this summer, as the transfer window is considered closed, but work is already underway with an eye on 2026.
The chosen one is none other than Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan's center-back, who fits perfectly into the blaugrana play style. He is 26 years old and under contract until 2028, being one of the defensive pillars of the European runner-up. Right now, the Italian doesn't intend to leave, but everything could change in a year, with the intention to work throughout this time to convince him personally.
Bastoni is a left-footed defender, exactly what's being sought after Íñigo Martínez's departure. He has good ball distribution and fits the Barça timeline. The Italian is considered the ideal partner for Pau Cubarsí in defense, and his signing could be possible in 2026, with the 1:1 rule back in place and the necessary funds available to make an addition of this kind.
What is clear is that Inter won't make things easy, and everything will depend on Joan Laporta's ability to convince. Barça already knows it will have to dig deep into its pockets, aiming to reach €80 million ($80 million) for a signing considered strategic, both for the present and the future.
Plan underway for Alessandro Bastoni
Barça hopes to have enough time to convince him. It has a year ahead to speak personally with Bastoni and explain its project, something that could be very important.
Several cards will be put forward, one of them being the possibility of sharing a team with Lamine Yamal. After the Champions League semifinals, Alessandro Bastoni was full of praise for the young blaugrana star. He would love to play with him and this could be an important asset in the negotiations.
In any case, there is still time ahead. Economic difficulties and "fair play" will play a vitally important role. At this time, it has been decided not to strengthen the squad this season: the club will make do with what's available and La Masia, which never fails. Then, the plan is clear: go for Alessandro Bastoni.