FC Barcelona has had a transfer market move validated by La Liga according to Mundo Deportivo, which … [+]
FC Barcelona has had a transfer market move validated by La Liga according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources.
While in line to lift an unprecedented quadruple as Hansi Flick revealed it is the “goal” to go for the Champions League, the Catalans are already looking to strengthen their squad for next season.
El Nacional reported earlier this week that Barca has two operations already finalized in signing Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and renewing a goalkeeper that was called out of retirement but has been a revelation in Wojciech Szczesny.
Other key renewals have been pulled off by Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta, with the likes of Ronald Araujo, Pedri and Gavi all tied down until the turn of the 2030s.
Given his age of 33, Inigo Martinez won’t be playing that long but is still fundamental for Flick.
Signed on a free transfer from Athletic Club in 2023, he became key in the heart of the back line when Araujo was injured playing for his country Uruguay during a Copa America quarterfinal in the United States last summer.
Partnering Pau Cubarsi, the Basque had much to do with Barca’s rise to the top of the La Liga table and has mostly managed to keep his place in the starting XI while Araujo is on the outside looking in.
Inigo and Araujo formed a duo on Tuesday in a 3-1 Champions League last 16 second leg win over Benfica, but that was because teenager Cubarsi had to ride out a suspension thanks to his red card in the tie’s first installment.
Inigo’s prominence automatically triggered an extension in his terms that were set to expire on June 30, 2025.
If he featured for at least 45 minutes in over 60% of games for Flick this term, which he has, he was in line to be renewed for at least 12 months.
Though there have been issues with Financial Fair Play before, the surprise sale of Vitor Roque to Palmeiras gave Barca some leg room.
It now has all of its players registered with the league until the end of their contracts, after La Liga reportedly gave Inigo’s renewal the thumbs up on Tuesday.
