Nobody expected it, but the departure of Íñigo Martínez is imminent. The Basque center-back had been missing during the last matches of the preseason and everything seems to have a reason: he's going to Saudi Arabia. He has received a can't-refuse offer that has led him to decide to leave FC Barcelona in the coming hours, surprisingly leaving the Catalan team just days before starting a new season as a culer.
Heading to Al-Nassr
Journalist Matteo Moretto has revealed that Íñigo Martínez has received strong interest from Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. There are negotiations between the parties to unblock his departure, with him having expressed to FC Barcelona his desire for a change of scenery.
It remains to be seen how much money Barça will be able to get from the defender's departure, whose contract ends on June 30, 2026. Al-Nassr have identified him as their top target to strengthen the center of the defense, and they're about to reach an agreement for the sale of Laporte.
Small transfer for Barça
So far, nothing has been finalized, but sources from FC Barcelona confirm to Madrid-Barcelona that the farewell is close. Íñigo Martínez himself has requested to leave, having put a can't-refuse offer on the table for him.
At 34, Al-Nassr have offered him a salary completely out of the market and the chance to live a great life in Saudi Arabia. Despite his status as a starter at Barça, he believes that the best thing for his future is to leave immediately.
In this regard, Barcelona indicate to Madrid-Barcelona that there won't be a big transfer involved. They won't let him leave for free, but the reality is that Al-Nassr won't pay a lot of money. As a gesture for the services rendered, the Basque defender will leave with ease from Spotify Camp Nou.
The main savings will be in the wage bill. Íñigo Martínez was earning a gross annual salary of €9 million. In net figures, we're talking about a little more than €4 million per season.
This could be used to register other footballers, without ruling out the possibility of making a surprise move in the market. The culer defense will be weakened after the departure of an Íñigo Martínez who was an undisputed starter for Hansi Flick. At this time, there are no targets set, although everything could start moving in the coming hours...