Iñigo Martínez in Advanced Negotiations to Join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr
Central defender Iñigo Martínez is in advanced talks to leave FC Barcelona and join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, according to sources close to the negotiation. The possible transfer marks a significant move in the transfer market, with the Basque player close to embarking on a new stage in his career.
Martínez, who has a contract with the Catalan club until June 2026, could facilitate his departure as a free agent. Barcelona would be willing to allow his departure, which would open a new chapter for the footballer.
The 34-year-old defender had already received an attractive offer from the Saudi Pro League last summer, but at that time, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, convinced him to stay.
Al Nassr, for its part, has been active in the market, recently incorporating João Félix to strengthen its squad. The team seeks to consolidate its position and aspire to important titles, driven by the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has demonstrated his goal-scoring ability.
Iñigo’s departure would not generate direct income for Barcelona, but it would free up a considerable amount of salary mass. This would allow the club to register other players, a crucial need in the current context.
Barcelona still doesn’t comply with the 1-1 rule, but could use 60% of Iñigo’s salary to register other players. This is especially relevant a few days before the start of LaLiga, where the club has not yet been able to register several key players.
The club has still not been able to register Joan García, Wojciech Szczesny, Marcus Rashford, Gerard Martín and Marc Bernal (both will be registered with the first team), Roony Bardghji, as well as Hector Fort and Oriol Romeu, who are not in Hansi Flick’s plans.
Iñigo’s departure represents a significant sporting loss. The center-back was a regular starter for Flick in the heart of the defense last season, playing alongside the young Pau Cubarsí and contributing to the conquest of LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.
Iñigo arrived at Barça in the summer of 2023 as a free agent, after his contract with Athletic Club ended. His first season was marked by injuries, but in the past season he played 46 matches.
Flick has Ronald Araujo and Eric García to cover the central defense position and will also be able to count on the return of Andreas Christensen, who missed a large part of last season due to injury.
