La Liga manager on the future of Barcelona defensive target: “Don’t know what will happen”

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has provided an update on the future of defender Inigo Martinez, who is a transfer target for Barcelona.

Martinez is in the final six months of his contract with the Basque club and is yet to sign a new deal. There have been no indications that the Spanish defender wants to continue at San Mames beyond the current season.

With no progress made with regard to Martinez’s contract situation, reports earlier this week suggested that Barcelona were edging closer to the capture of the seasoned campaigner on a free transfer.

During a media appearance, Athletic Club manager Valverde claimed that he has no idea how things will pan out with Martinez’s future.

“We are counting on him. I don’t know what will happen after 30 June, I can only say that I hope he will be with us for a long time,” the former Barcelona boss said, as quoted by SPORT.

“I see him well. Now he has some discomfort that is not going away. He is in the process of recovery. He has always wanted to be available. He’s a professional who tries to be at 100% and, even with discomfort, he always wants to be available to help the team,” he added.

Martinez has been on Barcelona’s radar since the summer transfer window last year. The Catalans intended to sign the 31-year-old when it seemed like they might miss out on Jules Kounde, but eventually the Frenchman arrived at Spotify Camp Nou.

But, the Spanish international continued to be on the radars of the Blaugrana. With Gerard Pique retiring, Martinez has been viewed as a possible replacement to add more experience and leadership to the team.

There had been speculations that Barça might not pursue Martinez any longer after Marcos Alonso’s emergence as a possible option at centre-back.

However, persisting with the former Chelsea ace at the heart of the defence might be ill-advised and Barcelona would be better off signing a natural centre-half like Martinez.