According to reports from Sergio Santos, Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez will be a Barcelona player for the next two years. He has already passed his medical examination with the Catalan club and the contract has been signed between the two parties.
This comes as massive news from the Blaugranas‘ perspective for it is the first confirmed transfer for the summer window. Moreover, it opens the door for one of the existing centre-backs to leave the club.
The 31-year-old defender currently plays for Athletic Club and has his contract running out in June. His move to Spotify Camp Nou will thus be on a free transfer, fitting the Catalans from an economic standpoint.
However, the perks of his signing do not end at the financial end. Martinez will join Barcelona as a much-needed left-footed centre-back, a department that Xavi has struggled for options with this season. Moreover, his experience and leadership are invaluable assets.
The veteran has made 13 appearances for Athletic Club in La Liga this season and has scored one goal in the process. He has overseen three clean sheets in that duration and is an absolute monster defensively.
Martinez averages 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.5 clearances and four duels won per game. Further, he is reliable and secure on the ball with an average passing accuracy of over 80%.
His arrival will provide the manager with an able backup to the likes of Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde next season.
Martinez is understood to have passed his medical already at some point last month. And with the deal now inked for a two-year period until 2025, the Spanish international is all set to become Barcelona’s first signing of the upcoming summer window.
