In the last 24 hours, Barcelona has been startled by the news that Inigo Martinez will leave, with the veteran defender to draw for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on a free transfer. The Catalans were planning to sell a centerpiece this summer, but it was not expected that the former real Sociedad and Athletic Club player would be the one leaving.
In addition to Pau Cubarsi, Martinez was in the central defense the entire last season, and that is why his approaching departure is devastating for Barcelona's head coach. And it also means that there are only three nailed-on-center-back options for the coming season (Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Chrenssen).
The news came like a shock for Barcelona, but it is a movement that Martinez was open as soon as he discovered the interest of Al-Nassr. He said goodbye to his soon former teammates on Friday, and on arrival at El Pais Airport before he started the next chapter in his career, he spoke with Sport.
“They have been very hectic but beautiful days, and it was a nice farewell with my teammates … for the fans, I am grateful for these two wonderful years.”
While the departure of Martinez Barcelona leaves with Cubarsi, Araujo and Christensen as their only brutal central defenders for the coming season-Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia can also play there, but the idea is that they are the options to register the right-back-back it is a large part of the salary space that can be used more and the first-choice space.
The attention will now focus whether Barcelona is looking for a replacement. As it looks now, it will be difficult for a senior option to sign, given the well -documented financial misery of the club.