La Liga heavyweights Barcelona reportedly have a verbal agreement with Inigo Martinez over a Bosman move next summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona and Inigo Martinez are a step closer to a union in the 2023 summer transfer window. The Catalan giants have a verbal agreement with the 31-year-old defender, who will likely leave Athletic Club as a free agent next year.
Inigo Martinez has been one of the most reliable defenders in La Liga for the longest time. The Spaniard has represented two Basque giants in Real Sociedad and Athletic Club thus far in his professional career. And his best phase has come at Athletic Club in the last few years.
The 31-year-old has turned out 164 times thus far for Athletic Club, chipping in with seven goals and seven assists. Martinez has also established himself as a regular for the Spanish national team and will likely 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 attempted to sign Martinez in the summer transfer window, but Athletic Club firmly held on to him. However, the Spaniard does not intend to sign a new contract with the Basque outfit. And after entering the final year of his deal, Martinez will likely depart from San Mames as a free agent next year.
Barcelona can try to accelerate the move for Martinez and bring him to Camp Nou in January. But that will only happen if they have an injury crisis in the defensive department. Otherwise, Barcelona will aim to secure the services of the 31-year-old in a Bosman move next summer.
In any case, the Catalan giants are a step closer to landing the Spanish international. That is because, according to Mundo Deportivo, they have a verbal agreement with Martinez. And with the veteran defender ready to join Barcelona, a deal in 2023 looks likely.
It will be interesting to see if the Blaugrana will pursue a move for Inigo Martinez in the January transfer window. If not then the 31-year-old will arrive at Camp Nou as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique, who might be playing his final season for Barcelona.
