Barcelona are on the verge of signing Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez according to reports by Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio also confirmed that all the documents are in place to complete the signing of the defender for the 23/24 campaign.
Writing on his social accounts Fabrizio confirms that: “The agreement is in place since March as Iñigo has accepted to join Barcelona as free agent next season.”
“Official contract expected to be signed at the end of the current season as medical have been completed.”
“He’s joining Barça on a two-year deal until June 2025 — waiting on Financial Fair Play green light.”
The centre back who is 31-year-old looks certain to leave Bilbao when his contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Athletic Club wanted to agree a renewal for the Spanish international, but Martinez is more interested in a new challenge elsewhere in Spain, and he rejected any extension talks.
The Catalans have been working on a deal for the defender, after they could not sign him in January, and they are closing to sealing an agreement until 2025.
Transfer Guru Fabrizio confirms that Barca are confident of receiving La Liga approval to complete a move, as the club continues to balance their financial crisis at the Camp Nou.
Reports have it that Iñigo Martínez have already completed his medical tests in Catalonia and will sign a two year deal with the club.
Who Is Inigo Martinez?
Iñigo Martínez Berridi is a Spanish footballer who was born on 17 May 1991 and currently plays as a centre-back for Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team.
The defender spent most of his career with Real Sociedad, where he played 238 matches (17 goals scored) in all competitions after making his debut at the age of 20.
Martínez signed with Athletic Bilbao for €32 million on 30 January 2018, on a deal that will see him at the club until 2023.
The reported fee was around half of the figure received the same day for the player he replaced in the Athletic squad, Aymeric Laporte, who sign for Manchester City.
He made his debut for the club on 4th February, in a 2–0 domestic league defeat away to Girona FC.
Inigo Martínez made his debut for the Spain under-21 team in 2011 and won his first cap for Spain in 2013.
Why Does Barcelona Wants Martinez?
Martinez has been likened to former Barcelona player Carles Puyol who is known for his heading ability which is an aerial threat on set pieces.
Inigo Martinez is not so tall but has a modest statue of 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) but he is good in the air.
The Spaniard is also known for his tackling, leadership qualities and ability to read the game, as well as competence with the ball at his feet.
Do you think that this is a perfect move for Barcelona? Will Martinez uphold the statue of Puyol at Barca? Tell us what you think in the comment section.
