- Inigo Martinez is set to join Al-Nassr as a free agent
- Barcelona will save €14M in wages but receive no fee
- Martinez made 46 appearances under Hansi Flick last season
Key Takeaways:
Barcelona will part ways with their starting defender Inigo Martinez in a surprising move, according to leading sports outlets in Spain and across Europe. The 34-year-old centre-back is set to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, Al-Nassr, and the transfer now appears certain.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Al Nassr agree deal to sign Iñigo Martínez, here we go! 🟡🔵
Iñigo will terminate his contract at Barcelona with immediate effect and join Al Nassr as free agent.
Contract until June 2026 plus option for further season until June 2027. pic.twitter.com/uVxHwW7PSV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025
The Saudi club is close to parting ways with another Spanish defender – Aymeric Laporte – and it now seems clear that Martinez will be his replacement. Inigo is expected to terminate his contract with Barcelona and sign as a free agent with Al-Nassr until June 2026, with an option for one additional year.
Martinez was a regular starter under Hansi Flick last season, making a total of 46 appearances with 3 goals and 6 assists, and was one of the most consistent performers in defence. The Basque defender joined Barca in 2023 and gradually established himself as a key figure, playing a major role in last season’s domestic double.
His departure, despite having a year left on his contract, will free up a significant portion of Barcelona’s wage bill and provide more flexibility in the transfer market. Mundo Deportivo cites a figure of €14 million that the club will save. At this stage, it does not appear that Barca will receive any transfer fee or compensation for him. It is also unclear whether a replacement will be signed.