Barcelona remain keen on Bosman deal for defender, but FFP could hinder signing

Inigo Martinez has been on the radars of FC Barcelona since last summer. The 31-year-old was seen as an alternative for Jules Kounde, but the Catalans ended up landing the Frenchman from Sevilla.

However, they have continued to maintain their interest in the Athletic Club defender with reports even suggesting that they were edging closer to the capture of the centre-back on a Bosman deal next summer.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona do, indeed, wish to secure the signing of Martinez as a free agent later this year. However, the move could be scuppered by their problems with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations.

As things stand, Barça are uncertain how their Fair Play situation will be in the summer transfer window and it could impact the contract offer that they could present to Martinez to lure him from Athletic Club.

The report adds that the Catalans have a sort of verbal agreement with the Spanish international since last summer, but it is dependent on the club meeting certain economic conditions.

However, given the uncertainty surrounding the FFP situation, it is unclear whether the Blaugrana are able to hold up their end of the bargain.

Amidst this, Martinez is continuing to attract interest from several quarters due to his leadership, experience and proven pedigree, the exact reasons why Barcelona want to land him as well.

At the same time, Athletic Club are also keen on extending his contract and keeping him at San Mames beyond the current season.

As a result, it is now up to the defender to decide whether he will wait for Barcelona to learn about their FFP situation and make their move or accept any other offer that comes his way.