Barcelona are set to announce the signing of Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, months after the deal was initially agreed in April.
The current financial restrictions meant that the 32-year-old had to wait before being confirmed as a new Blaugrana player, but the paperwork has now been approved for him to join the squad.
The centre-back arrives from Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer, and will add experienced quality and depth to Xavi’s back line.
Martinez has spent the entirety of his career in the Basque region, initially enjoying a long spell with Real Sociedad before moving to Athletic Club in 2018 as a direct replacement for Aymeric Laporte, who moved to Manchester City.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that an announcement will shortly arrive for the defender’s arrival, with the move confirmed by all parties.
Where will Martinez play for Barcelona?
A left-footed centre-back, Martinez can compete with Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde for a spot in the middle, and his arrival could mean that Eric Garcia departs the club.
The Spaniard started just 15 league games last season, and was unimpressive in that time. Xavi has shown great faith to the 22-year-old since his arrival from Man City, but the signing of Martinez may indicate that the manager wants a more reliable figure at the back.
Martinez, at five foot 11, stands shorter than most centre-backs, and pairing him on the left with Araujo on the right may provide the best balance in terms of aerial defending. Martinez ranks low among his peers for both winning aerial duels and for tackles and interceptions, and he may need a robust figure like Araujo next to him to succeed.
The defender only played 15 league games last season as he struggled with a number of injury issues, and this may come of some concern to Barcelona. He would usually line up in a partnership with Yeray Alvarez, and overall Athletic Club’s defence was solid under Ernesto Valverde, conceding 43 times in 38 league games.
It seems unlikely that Martinez will be a starter next season, but he could bring invaluable experience to the squad as Barcelona aim to progress in the Champions League.