At a time when the new project under Hansi Flick was expected to proceed calmly and confidently, a sudden crisis emerged that could disrupt plans and cause early confusion within the Catalan club. This crisis began quietly but soon exploded, sparking controversy around Camp Nou.
Amid this turmoil, information leaked confirming a sharp internal rift between Barcelona’s management and the technical staff, following a bold decision taken without consensus regarding a key central defender. The decision left fans in shock, but its greatest impact was within the German coach’s office, who did not hide his surprise.
According to the official announcement, Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez joined Saudi club Al-Nassr on a free transfer after terminating his contract without any financial compensation to the Spanish club. This move sparked a wave of public discontent, with some considering it Barcelona’s biggest technical loss this summer.
Hansi Flick, who had relied on Martínez in his new defensive plan, was deeply disappointed and expressed his anger during internal meetings. Sources close to management confirmed that the German coach sent a clear message, saying:
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“He was the player closest to me on the team… How could he be allowed to leave so easily?!”
The crisis is not just about the player’s name, but also the critical timing of the decision, especially given Barcelona’s efforts to secure new signings before the start of La Liga.
Martínez’s departure means more than just losing a player; he was:
The leader of the offside trap in Flick’s plan.
The best defender at building play from the back and breaking lines.
The only left-back on the team, providing irreplaceable tactical balance.
His absence currently forces Barcelona to rely solely on youngster Gerard Martin on the left defensive side, which could force Flick to completely change his defensive system.
Although he hasn’t been a regular starter, Iñigo Martínez has shown rare loyalty to the club, refraining from unilaterally activating his contract termination clause last season just to stay at Barcelona and fulfill his dream of success at Camp Nou. However, in the end, he did not receive the proper recognition.
The deal that took him to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr saw him leave through the back door, leaving behind many questions about how the current phase was managed and whether this marks the beginning of greater tension in the future.
