Barcelona might reportedly look to launch the offensive to sign 31-year-old Spanish international Inigo Martinez in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Inigo Martinez is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Blaugrana might launch the offensive for the 31-year-old due to their recent injury crisis.
Inigo Martinez has been one of the most dependable defenders in La Liga over the past decade. The Spanish international has represented two Basque giants thus far in his professional career. And his best phase has come at Athletic Club in the last few seasons.
The 31-year-old has turned out 162 times thus far for Athletic Club, chipping in with seven goals and seven assists. Martinez has also established a foothold in the Spanish national team and might be in La Roja’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At the same time, his performances have captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona unsuccessfully tried to sign Martinez in the summer transfer window. But despite facing rejection from Athletic Club, the Catalan giants have not given up. The Catalan giants continue to harbour hopes of signing the Spaniard as Gerard Pique is in the twilight of his career.
Pique has become a bit-part player for Barcelona in the 2022/23 season and might depart from Camp Nou next summer. But the Blaugrana might accelerate the pursuit of Inigo Martinez due to the recent injury crisis.
Xavi Hernandez is missing several centre-backs, with Andreas Christensen being the latest player to sustain an injury. And with Ronald Araujo a long-term absentee, Barcelona might need to delve into the market this January. Inigo Martinez has thus emerged as a candidate to bolster Barcelona’s squad in the winter.
Barcelona originally planned to sign the 31-year-old Spanish international in a Bosman move next summer. But the Blaugrana might have to pursue Martinez in January if the injury crisis does not improve. It will be interesting to see how Athletic Club will respond to a potential approach from Barcelona in the winter transfer window.
