Al-Nassr nears free transfer signing of Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez

Inigo Martinez, Barcelona's experienced center-back, is set to leave the club for Al-Nassr on a free transfer, terminating his contract to facilitate the move. The 34-year-old defender, who was a key player under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick last season, will sign a contract with Al-Nassr until June 2026, with an option to extend for an additional year based on performance. This transfer would provide Barcelona with significant financial relief by freeing up €14 million in their salary cap, aiding the club in registering new signings such as Marcus Rashford amid La Liga's financial regulations. Martinez's departure aligns with Barcelona's efforts to balance their squad and wage bill while paving the way for younger talents. Al-Nassr continues to bolster their squad with high-profile European players, adding Martinez to a roster that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Aymeric Laporte as they pursue success in the Saudi Pro League. The move highlights the growing trend of seasoned European players joining the Saudi league for lucrative contracts and competitive ambitions.