Barcelona will not sign Inigo Martinez in the coming days, with the 31-year-old defender set to remain at Athletic Club beyond the summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Inigo Martinez will remain at La Liga outfit Athletic Club beyond the summer transfer window. The 31-year defender has been the subject of interest from Barcelona over a possible move this month.
Inigo Martinez has been one of the most dependable performers in La Liga for much of the past decade, excelling for two Basque teams during this period. The Spanish international has been shining for Athletic Club, in particular, while establishing a foothold in his national squad.
The 31-year-old has turned out 158 times for Athletic Club, chipping in with six goals and seven assists. But Martinez has been facing an uncertain future at San Mames after entering the final year of his contract with the Basque outfit. With the player no closer to agreeing to a new deal, his situation has captured the attention of Barcelona, who might soon table a bid to secure his services.
The interest from Barcelona is surprising, considering they have already bolstered their defensive unit considerably in the ongoing transfer window. The Catalan giants have secured the services of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen thus far, with the duo’s arrival leaving Xavi Hernandez with five quality centre-backs at his disposal.
But recent reports have suggested that Barcelona might explore the possibility of signing Martinez this summer. However, a move to Camp Nou will not materialise, with Jon Uriarte, the Athletic Club president, gleefully revealing that the 31-year-old will remain at San Mames beyond the summer transfer window.
“Of course I can say that Inigo Martinez is going to play for Athletic Bilbao this season. We continue to believe that he is an important person for us and that his contribution will be relevant to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves, and I hope that we can create an exciting project so that he will continue here for more years.”
Martinez had been open to moving across La Liga to join Barcelona this summer, but he will likely see out the final year of his contract with Athletic Club. But Barcelona might return with the prospect of signing the 31-year-old next summer in a Bosman move if he does not sign a new deal.
