Barcelona has officially announced the acquisition of defender Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, marking the end of his contract with Athletic Bilbao. The signing of the seasoned 32-year-old centre-back, who is also a Spain international, further solidifies Barcelona’s recent strategy of recruiting experienced players without incurring any transfer fees.
Following in the footsteps of their recent signing, Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, Martinez joins Barcelona on a contract that extends until 2025. This move showcases the club’s commitment to bolstering their squad with proven talents while maintaining financial prudence. Barcelona has successfully secured the services of other notable players, such as Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, who were acquired after their contracts expired last summer.
In an official statement, the Spanish champions confirmed that Martinez will sign a two-year deal, binding him to the club until June 30, 2025. Additionally, the contract includes a staggering release clause of €400 million ($435 million), emphasizing Barcelona’s confidence in the player’s abilities.
Martinez’s professional journey began at Real Sociedad, where he developed his skills and spent seven successful seasons in the top flight. In January 2017, he made the switch to Athletic Bilbao, with the club paying his €32 million ($35 million) buy-out clause, a figure that still stands as the highest fee ever paid by Athletic Bilbao for a player.
During his time at Athletic Bilbao, Martinez made a total of 177 appearances, showcasing his defensive prowess and contributing eight goals to the team’s cause. Notably, he played a crucial role in Athletic Bilbao’s triumph in the Spanish Super Cup in 2021 and was instrumental in leading the team to two Copa del Rey finals.
Barcelona’s acquisition of Inigo Martinez highlights their commitment to reinforcing their defensive line. With the signing of this experienced and accomplished player, the club aims to solidify their position as one of Europe’s football powerhouses and continue their pursuit of domestic and international honors.
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