Barcelona director met with the agent of veteran La Liga defender recently – report

Inigo Martinez was one of the defensive targets Barcelona had considered signing during the summer transfer window. But the arrival of Jules Kounde meant that a move for the Spaniard was not signed.

However, that has not deterred Barcelona from the pursuit. In fact, Catalunya Radio reports that Barcelona have maintained contact with Inigo Martinez’s agent, over a potential move in the summer.

A few weeks ago, Barça’s sporting director Mateu Alemany even met Martinez’s agent in Barcelona. During the meeting, the two parties presumably talked about the possibility of the defender’s summer move to Camp Nou.

The Blaugrana still remain interested in the 31-year-old’s services, who will be a free agent in the summer. But, at this point, they cannot guarantee his registration due to the club’s Financial Fair Play issues.

Currently plying his trade with Athletic Club, Martinez is regarded as one of the more reliable defenders in La Liga. With over 350 appearances in La Liga, he brings a wealth of experience, which is combined with his aggression and leadership.

On top of that, he would provide Xavi with a left-footed option in the centre-back slot.

All of this makes Martinez an appealing target for Barcelona, who have maintained their interest in the player, as he is also set to turn into a free agent at the end of the season.

After trying to sign him in the summer, Barça considered the possibility of roping Martinez in during the January transfer window as well, as a replacement for Gerard Pique. But no move materialised.

Pique’s retirement has created a void in Barcelona’s defensive unit, even though the club have performed much better defensively, with the combination of Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde excelling.

Despite their formidable defensive record this season, the Blaugrana may still require the experience and leadership of someone like Inigo Martinez next season, especially as the club look to do well in the Champions League.

That said, the deal to sign Martinez on a free transfer is far from closed and there might yet be complications coming down Barça’s throat. This is why the club have refused to guarantee a summer move for the player.