Íñigo Martínez's departure does not alter Barça's plans in defense

Íñigo Martínez's departure from FC Barcelona is said to be very close to materializing, but this would not alter the roadmap of the Azulgrana team, which in principle needed the departure of one of its defenders due to the number of defenders in the team and would not reinforce this area.

The player, apparently, will land in Saudi football and it was he who asked the Catalan team that, if an interesting offer arrived from the Middle East, he would be allowed to leave. In fact, several reports suggest that this was raised in his renewal (until 2026) for one more season last March.

Although the possible imminent farewell of the '5' represents a great surprise for the Blaugrana fans, the player is already 34 years old and it remained to be seen if he could maintain the same level as last season.

After all the commotion caused by the situation, the player would wait to travel to Saudi Arabia to seal his contract, presumably with Al-Nassr. Íñigo will leave after arriving for free in the summer of 2023, playing 71 games, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists.

Íñigo Martínez's departure, the farewell of a leader

Íñigo Martínez's departure represents a blow to Hansi Flick's tactical scheme, considering that the player remained alongside Pau Cubarsí as the main defenders throughout the 2024/25 season.

In addition, on the field he has always demonstrated a natural competitive character, which led him to become one of the most respected players within the Barça dressing room.

It was even speculated that he could be among the players who will be the captains of the Catalan team for the next season. And despite not having been trained in the club's youth categories, he always demonstrated his commitment to the colors, something that made him gain the affection of the fans.

It should be noted that Barcelona would be saving his entire salary, around 14 million euros, but the player will leave for free, that is, there will be no transfer fee involved.

Íñigo's departure rearranges the roles in Barça's defense

A few weeks ago, reports indicated that Barcelona wanted Andreas Christensen to leave. Despite this, this new scenario would stop pushing the Dane towards the exit door.

In addition, Ronald Araujo could regain the prominence lost by the emergence of Íñigo Martínez with Flick. Also, Gerard Martín, apart from acting as a left back, would also become another option for the defensive zone, whom the German coach tested as a defender.

Eric García and Jules Koundé can also play as centre-backs, although it is expected that the Frenchman will continue playing as a right back, currently considered one of the best in the world in that position, and that the native of Martorell will be his replacement, but always considering that they are naturally defenders.