There is good news for FC Barcelona. Gerard Martín was registered and will be available for this Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano. In addition, he will inherit the number '18' from Pau Víctor, now at Sporting Braga. Therefore, he leaves aside the '35' used last season.
It should be noted that in 24/25, Martín used the '35' because he had a card from Barça Atlètic. With effort he was able to earn a place and play 42 games, score a goal and provide 6 assists.
The footballer played as a full-back last season, but Hansi Flick tested him as a left center-back in this preseason and could relocate after the departure of Iñigo Martínez and be able to see more minutes this season.
The left-back position is already covered by Alejandro Balde and his main replacement will be Jofre Torrents, who made his professional debut in the first match against Mallorca.
Gerard Martín will use the '18' for his idol Jordi Alba
That Gerard Martín uses the '18' is no coincidence. In an interview granted to 'Mundo Deportivo' he admitted that his football reference is Jordi Alba, who used that number between the 2012/2013 and 2022/2023 seasons.
Alba was a reference on the left wing of Barça and left a great record consisting of a Champions League, six leagues, five Copa del Rey and a Club World Cup, among other titles.
Gerard Martín rejected the Premier League
The future of Gerard Martín was in the balance, as they could not solve the problem with his registration and he received an offer from Wolverhampton of the Premier League, for 15 million euros, but the defender was not willing to accept it, because he wanted to stay at the club.
In addition, his situation was resolved, thanks to the activation of a new guarantee for 5 million euros and the departures on loan of Iñaki Peña and the termination of Oriol Romeu's contract.
The Barcelona native has been registered for this season of LaLiga EA Sports 25/26, now with the '18' on his shirt.
Martín missed the first two LaLiga matches against Mallorca (0-3) and Levante (2-3) for not being registered. He also adds Wojciech Szczesny, who will be able to be there after obtaining his license. Now only Roony Bardghji would be missing.
In this way, Hansi Flick adds two players for the match against Rayo Vallecano this Sunday, August 31 at 9:30 p.m. for the third matchday of LaLiga, where he will seek to continue with a perfect score.