Barcelona sign Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club on a free transfer. He will sign a two-year deal with the Catalans. Inigo becomes their second signing after Ilkay Gundogan.
The Spanish defender’s contract will see him stay at the club until 2025. He will also have a €400 million release clause in his contract. He will also earn around €9 million per year.
Martinez is an experienced defender, and he has played over 350 La Liga games for Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, scoring 22 goals as well. Martinez was already in contact with Barcelona since January. After his contract with Athletic ended in June, he signed for the Blaugrana.
Inigo Martinez’s medical was already completed last month. But, Barcelona respected Athletic Club and did not announce his signing until his contract with them came to an end.
The 32-year-old was also spotted on Barca’s training ground Ciutat Esportiva on Tuesday while doing a photo session for his unveiling.
Barcelona sign Inigo Martinez as the defender becomes Xavi’s second signing of the summer
After signing Treble winner Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Man City, Barca have announced another strong signing in Inigo Martinez.
Moreover, Xavi really wanted a left-footed centre-back in his team. Clement Lenglet is the only centre-back, who is left-footed, but Xavi does not count the Frenchman in his plans.
Last season, after Araujo, Christensen, and Kounde’s injury Xavi had no other option than to play Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia. Both defenders were far from good, and it costed Xavi, as they were out of the Champions League in the group stages again.
Barca sign Inigo Martinez to bolster their defence
After Pique’s retirement the Catalan giants needed a strong defender with experience, and Martinez is the profile Xavi wanted. The likes of Araujo and Kounde are still young and can learn a lot from Martinez.
The Blaugrana have also signed talented Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye, who will play for Barca Atletic. If Eric Garcia is sold/loaned out to another club, Faye will replace him in the squad.
Overall, Inigo’s signing will help Xavi to rotate his centre-back’s frequently. They will be able to compete in La Liga and the Champions League next season.
