OFFICIAL: Iñigo Martínez Leaves FC Barcelona and Signs for Al Nassr

Iñigo Martínez will no longer wear the colors of FC Barcelona. The defender from Ondarroa, who arrived at the club in 2023 from Athletic Club, has agreed with the 'Azulgrana' team to terminate his contract early to embark on a new adventure at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

This is an unexpected transfer that was arranged in just 24 hours, as confirmed by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The agreement frees up key salary space for the 'culé' entity to register its new signings this summer.

The veteran center-back, who was a key player in Hansi Flick's starting eleven last season and won the LaLiga title, only played 45 minutes against Vissel Kobe in the pre-season Asian tour with the 'culés'.

At 34 years old, Iñigo understands that it is time to seek new challenges and has accepted the Saudi offer, signing until June 2026 with an option to extend for one more season.

The operation, which occurs at 'zero cost', will allow Barça to save around 7 million euros net in salaries and reduce the wage bill to register players like Joan García and Marcus Rashford.

Without Iñigo Martínez, Barça loses a pillar in defense

Iñigo Martínez arrived at Barça to reinforce a defense that had been weakened after the departure of Gerard Piqué. In his first season, he won the affection of the fans thanks to his grit and leadership; although he was not an undisputed starter for Xavi Hernández.

After the departure of the 'Egaresen' last summer, Hansi Flick placed his trust in the '5', given Ronald Araujo's injury and Andreas Christensen's physical problems. In total, the player from Ondarroa played 71 official matches with Barça, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists. His record includes the national treble won in the 24/25 season.

With the consolidation of new talents like Pau Cubarsí and the commitment to Ronald Araujo, the 'Azulgrana' sports management understood that they could do without a veteran to alleviate the wage bill.

The player himself admitted in statements to 'SPORT' that saying goodbye has been "a busy but beautiful process" and that he leaves "grateful for these two wonderful years".

Before flying to Arabia, the defender met with his teammates at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to say goodbye and had lunch at La Bonaigua with Dani Olmo, Eric García, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Oriol Romeu. With words of affection, he wished "the best" to the dressing room he leaves behind and sent a message of gratitude to the fans.

An unexpected signing heading to Saudi Arabia

Martínez's transfer to Al Nassr was completed with unusual speed. Initially, the player hoped to fulfill the year of contract he had remaining, but a call from Riyadh changed the landscape.

The Saudi club offers him a competitive salary and the possibility of sharing a dressing room with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, while Barça benefits from freeing up his salary.

According to sources close to the operation, Matteo Moretto was the first journalist to warn of Saudi interest, and Fabrizio Romano gave the famous «here we go» that confirms the agreement.

The center-back will sign until June 2026, with an option to extend for one more year, and will join the squad led by Jorge Jesus. His arrival reinforces an ambitious project that seeks to compete in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League.

For Martínez, it also means securing the last big contract of his career and experiencing a growing football scene, after having won everything in Spain.

Impact on Barça's planning and signings

Martínez's departure is a piece of Barça's economic 'puzzle'. The release of his salary will allow the registration of Joan García, a young center-back from Girona, and the English forward Marcus Rashford, whose arrival has generated great excitement among the 'culé' fans.

In addition, lightening the defensive payroll will prevent other defenders like Andreas Christensen or Ronald Araujo from leaving the club, as sports director Deco had advanced.

With this operation, FC Barcelona reinforces its commitment to the youth academy and takes another step in the financial recovery demanded by LaLiga.

Hansi Flick must now reconfigure his defense, probably with Pau Cubarsí and Araujo as the starting pair, while awaiting the return of Jules Koundé after his renewal. The context also opens the door to minutes for young promises from La Masia, who could debut in the first team.

Reaction of the 'culé' fans and his teammates

On social media, many Barça fans showed surprise and sadness at the departure of a player who, although he arrived in the maturity of his career, left his mark due to his competitive character.

Messages of support and gratitude flooded the official accounts of the 'Blaugrana' club. Some fans applaud the decision for the economic savings and for the opportunity to see new promises, while others lament the loss of experience in decisive matches. In a few minutes, the official announcement of Barcelona on 'X' exceeded 2,000 'likes' and a hundred comments.

Within the dressing room, the departure of Iñigo Martínez is experienced with mixed emotions. Ferran Torres and Pedri dedicated affectionate messages to him on Instagram, highlighting his leadership and companionship.

Ronald Araujo, for his part, assured that «Iñigo helped us grow as defenders and his advice will always be valuable». These farewells demonstrate the human impact that the Basque leaves in his brief stage as a 'culé'.

Context of the transfer market and Saudi boom

The transfer of Martínez is part of the growing trend of European players who choose the Saudi championship attracted by lucrative contracts and competitive projects.

Al Nassr already has figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and, in recent months, has incorporated world-renowned footballers. This investment is part of the country's strategy to boost local football and attract international attention.

For FC Barcelona, the operation is a precedent on how to manage the departures of veterans to comply with 'Fair Play' financial.

In a summer marked by impact signings like Rashford's and the consolidation of Lamine Yamal as a great reference for the first team, every move counts. The board continues to work to balance sporting competitiveness and economic stability.

An end of cycle with gratitude and hope

Iñigo Martínez thus concludes a short but significant stage at Camp Nou. His defensive firmness, his leadership in the dressing room, and his professionalism will remain in the memory.

The farewell, full of emotion and good wishes, reflects the close relationship he established with his teammates and with the fans. "I can only thank you for these two wonderful years," declared the center-back before embarking.

While Martínez begins a new adventure in Arabia, FC Barcelona is focused on preparing for the start of the 2025/26 season with the ambition of revalidating the League title and competing strongly in Europe again.

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