Whether it is Hansi who is just as surprise as the rest of the world or not, the exit of Inigo Martinez is bad news for the hope of Barcelona to keep the title in the eyes of the German next season. Last year, Flick trusted Martinez as a starting central defender from the start and offered an experienced partner for Pau Cubarsi.
It was made public on Thursday evening that Martinez would leave and on a free transfer. The Catalan club has agreed to let him out for free and he is ready to become a member of Saudi-Arab side Al-Nassr. They will save € 14 million on his salary, although Barcelona is over their salary limit, Barcelona can only use € 8.4 million to register other players.
According to the sport, Flick was beaten sideways when he discovered the news that Martinez could leave the club, although he discovered in advance. The decision to use Gerard Martin as a central defender during their previous season was a meditated, and although Flick works out ways to adjust without him, it is a painful loss for the German.
Martinez, left and experienced, was the perfect partner for Cubarsi and the leader of his backline. Earlier in the season, Flick Martinez emphasized as an example for the rest of the team and was happy with his adaptation to the new style last season.
With Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi and now Martin as alternatives, Barcelona does not intend to sign a replacement for Martinez. Although they remain open to any opportunities in their direction, Barcelona feel that they are well covered in that department – undoubtedly one of the reasons to let the Basque defender go.