FC BARCELONA
Barça wants to shield its defense: three renewals in sight
Published New:27/06/2025 - 02:35h
Updated New:27/06/2025 - 02:35h
FC Barcelona accelerates its defensive planning with the aim of renewing Koundé, Eric García and Iñigo Martínez
FC Barcelona wants to start the 2025/26 season with a completely shielded defensive line, not only in terms of names, but also contractually. In this sense, it has been revealed that the Barça team is making arrangements to renew the defenders who have not yet extended their link with the institution.
The list includes Iñigo Martínez and Eric García, whose contracts expire in 2026. As well as Jules Koundé, who culminates his link in 2027.
Barcelona has already shielded Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo
It is worth remembering that last season Barcelona already renewed Pau Cubarsí (until 2029) and Ronald Araujo (until 2031), in addition to the left back Gerard Martín (until 2028). To this we must add Alejandro Balde, who still has several years of contract after signing his renewal until 2028.
As for Andreas Christensen, although his contract ends on June 30, 2026, the latest information suggests that his continuity is not assured. His situation points more to a possible departure during this summer market.
Returning to the subject of the defenders whose contractual extension is on the table —Jules Koundé, Eric García and Iñigo Martínez—, Mundo Deportivo states that the status of their respective contractual extensions is in different stages. Although with a clear intention of the club to close them as soon as possible.
Koundé case: predisposition, but without urgency
It is asserted, for example, that with Jules Koundé, habitual right back of the team, there is no urgency to channel his renewal, given that he has a contract until 2027. However, the Barcelona entity has already shown its predisposition to extend it, within the framework of a positive relationship between the parties, which is visualized with long-term projection.
In relation to this case, journalist Ben Jacobs reported in the middle of this month that Barcelona and Koundé are close to reaching a continuity agreement. This contractual extension would be well on track, although it would not be specified in this summer market.
This is because the Catalan team has other registration priorities such as Joan García and, after a hypothetical signing of Nico Williams, the formalization of a new link. However, the disposition is there, and it is not ruled out that, once the market is closed, the movement will be specified.
Eric García: priority to renew after a consecratory year
As for Eric García, a player who earned a place after a 2024/25 season in which he acted as a midfielder, central defender and right back, there seems to be a special speed. From the Catalan team they are more than clear about their policy: not to allow a player with a contract in his last year to leave for free.
This renewal would have the endorsement of Hansi Flick, and apparently conversations have already begun to channel it as soon as possible. There is a great predisposition for this to be the case, and some sources point to a proposal for three seasons.
We will have to see how the negotiations advance, although it should not take too long, given the player's desire to continue wearing the Blaugrana elastic. In turn, the Martorell native would not want to start the season with his future unresolved, so the answer could come soon.
Iñigo Martínez, another open front for Barça
Of the three cases mentioned, there is Iñigo Martínez, whose contract ends in 2026. The club is also working on his renewal. As with Eric García, Barcelona does not want any player to enter his last year of contract and be able to leave for free.
Therefore, it would not be a surprise if his contract is extended soon, perhaps for one more season. The Basque was one of the best defenders of the season and, if he maintains his level, it would not be unreasonable to think of his continuity as an important piece in the defensive lineup.
