Al Nassr have reached a full settlement to signal Iñigo Martínez on a free switch, with the skilled centre-back terminating his contract at Barcelona forward of a brand new problem in Saudi Arabia, Softfootball reviews.
Martínez, 33, leaves Barça only one 12 months after arriving at Camp Nou from Athletic Membership to hitch Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The Spain worldwide has now chosen to embark on a brand new chapter, signing a contract with Al Nassr till June 2026, with an choice to increase for an extra season.
Softfootball understands that Martinez is to fill the hunt for Marc Cucurella, who turned down Al Nassr to decide to the Chelsea venture underneath Enzo Maresca.
Fabrizio Romano wrote on his X deal with in regards to the motion of Martinez.
He wrote this:
“BREAKING: Al Nassr agree deal to signal Iñigo Martínez, right here we go! 🟡🔵
Iñigo will terminate his contract at Barcelona with instant impact and be part of Al Nassr asa free agent.
Contract till June 2026 plus choice for additional season till June 2027.”
The deal was finalised after direct talks between all events progressed over the weekend. Sources verify to Softfootball that Martínez agreed to private phrases with Al Nassr earlier this week, and he’ll fly to Riyadh for medical assessments earlier than being formally unveiled.
Martínez’s exit brings a quiet finish to his brief spell in Catalonia, the place he made simply 15 appearances throughout all competitions. With Barcelona trimming their wage invoice and seeking to promote youthful defenders, the previous Actual Sociedad captain was given the inexperienced gentle to go away.
Al Nassr, in the meantime, have been trying to find an skilled left-footed centre-back to enhance Aymeric Laporte. The pair are anticipated to type the core of Luis Castro’s defence for the 2025/26 season, because the Riyadh membership continues to construct a squad able to difficult Al Hilal’s latest home dominance.
Martínez turns into the most recent high-profile European title to hitch the Saudi Professional League, following offers for Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Otávio final summer season. His management and defensive positioning are seen as key property as Al Nassr prepares for a return to AFC Champions League motion.
Though the transfer indicators the top of Martínez’s top-level European journey, insiders say the defender is “motivated by the venture” in Riyadh and desperate to play common soccer once more after a stop-start season at Barcelona.
A proper announcement is predicted as soon as the medicals are accomplished.
