Iñigo Martínez Leaves Barcelona
Spanish centre-back Iñigo Martínez is set to continue his career in the Saudi Pro League with a move to Al-Nassr, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano and Catalan media.
The 34-year-old has agreed to terminate his contract with Barcelona, despite it running until 2026, and will sign a one-year deal with Al-Nassr — including an option to extend for an additional season.
Martínez reportedly initiated his departure, and the Barcelona board did not oppose the move, seeing it as an opportunity to ease the club's wage bill. Under Hansi Flick, Martínez remained a reliable presence last season, often starting in high-stakes matches and contributing to a successful campaign for the Blaugrana.
During his two-year spell at Camp Nou, Martínez helped Barcelona lift three major trophies — La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, all in 2025.
At Al-Nassr, the veteran defender is expected to replace Aymeric Laporte, who has been linked with a return to Athletic Club. If both transfers materialise, it would be a poetic reversal: in January 2018, Martínez joined Athletic as Laporte’s replacement after the latter left for Manchester City. Now, the roles may switch once again — nearly seven years later.
