Barcelona Defender Inigo Martinez Joins Al Nassr Amid Financial Constraints

Barcelona's surprising sale of veteran defender Iñigo Martínez to Saudi club Al Nassr was primarily driven by the player's own decision rather than solely financial fair play pressures, although his departure did help Barça reduce their wage bill significantly. Martínez negotiated his move in complete secrecy during Barcelona's preseason tour of Asia, with teammates and staff only learning of the transfer mid-flight back from Japan, with head coach Hansi Flick among the first to hear. Flick respected Martínez's choice and did not attempt to dissuade him, despite the impact the defender's exit would have on Barcelona's aggressive defensive system. Upon returning to Barcelona, Martínez swiftly finalized his release without a transfer fee, foregoing certain contractual amounts, and formalized his contract with Al Nassr until 2026. Speaking upon joining Al Nassr, Martínez expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter, motivated by positive feedback from fellow players and the opportunity to contribute to a star-studded squad including Cristiano Ronaldo. The move marks a significant transition both for Martínez, at age 34, and for Barcelona as they continue to manage financial constraints while preparing for the new season.