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| Iñigo Martínez transfer 2025 FC Barcelona latest news |
Iñigo Martínez, the 34-year-old centre-back, is set to join Saudi club Al-Nassr — unless a last-minute twist changes everything. The Spanish defender has agreed to the offer and will leave FC Barcelona on a free transfer. His departure will also help the club financially, freeing up around €14 million in wages and allowing space to register new signings for the upcoming season.
But why is he leaving for free when he still had one year left on his contract?
It all comes down to a gentleman’s agreement between the player and the club. Last season, Martínez received a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League but turned it down after being convinced by the project led by coach Hansi Flick. In return, Barça promised that if a similar opportunity came this summer — and he wanted to go — they wouldn’t stand in his way. True to their word, the club will now honor that deal.
Martínez joined Barça in the summer of 2023. His debut season was hindered by injuries, limiting him to 25 appearances. However, in the following campaign, he became a key figure under Flick's leadership — playing 46 matches, scoring his first goal for the club, and helping Barça lift three trophies. He also hit a personal milestone, reaching 400 league appearances during his professional career.