Athletic Club demand €50 million from Barcelona for experienced centre-back

Athletic Bilbao are reportedly ready to let Inigo Martinez leave for FC Barcelona but only if the Catalans big in excess of €50 million, as per reports by Juanma Velasco. The 31-year-old centre-back has reportedly become Barca’s priority target to bolster their defence.

Originally, Barça had next to no plans to sign the Spanish centre-back this season, however, after having missed out on the signature of their priority defensive target in Jules Kounde, the Blaugrana have shifted their sights onto the Bilbao defender.

The reports state that Xavi Hernández wants a left-footed centre-back to complete his squad, and round off the squad before the start of the season. After the loan move of Clement Lenglet, the side has only one left-footed central defender in the side, in the form of Samuel Umtiti.

However, with the uncertainty of the Frenchman’s place in the side, the Barça legend would like to have a left-footed centre-back in the squad to play alongside Ronald Araujo.

Martnez had already previously been linked to Barcelona on multiple occasions, and former coach Ernesto Valverde came dangerously close to signing him in 2019.

Xavi is well familiar with him and is aware of his potential as a key player given his strong physical makeup and adept ball handling. A profile which the coach thinks the team lacks at the moment.

Mateu Alemany, the director of football at Barça, is reported to have already phoned Bilbao President, Jon Uriarte to start negotiations; Martinez would apparently be eager to sign on since it may be his final opportunity to sign a significant contract in his professional career.

The Spanish international has a buy-out clause of €80 million, and Bilbao may be ready to negotiate for the transfer fee given his current contract situation. He is but one among Barça’s several options to reinforce their defence.