In one of the more shocking transfers of the summer, veteran Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez is set to leave the club and join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on a free transfer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 34-year-old was able to activate a specific clause in his contract that allowed for a free exit. As a result, Barcelona will not receive any transfer fee for the player, with his contract set to be terminated immediately so he can complete the move.
The departure comes as a major surprise, as Martínez was a valued and regular contributor for the club last season under Hansi Flick. He made 46 appearances in all competitions and was a vital piece of their historic domestic treble-winning campaign, even starting and playing the full 120 minutes in the Copa del Rey final.
While losing a key, experienced defender for free is a financial blow, the move does have a significant silver lining for the financially struggling Catalan club. His departure will free up a considerable amount of space on the wage bill, which is crucial for their summer plans.
This newly available wage capacity could be the key to helping the club finally register their new summer signings. Barcelona have been under heavy scrutiny for their financial woes and still face challenges in registering players like new first-choice goalkeeper Joan García and loan signing Marcus Rashford.
Iñigo Martínez’s unexpected departure is another dramatic chapter in Barcelona’s turbulent summer. While they lose an experienced defender for nothing, his exit may provide the financial breathing room they desperately need to finalize their squad for the upcoming season.