The surprise revealed in recent days is that tonight’s Clásico will most likely be the last for one of the most important stars of the season at Barcelona.
The Catalan team, led by German coach Hansi Flick, is preparing for a decisive match against rivals Real Madrid, which will largely determine the destination of the La Liga title this season.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” despite Basque player Iñigo Martínez being an indispensable part of coach Hansi Flick’s squad and enjoying his full confidence, it seems he has already decided to leave in January and accept one of the many offers he has.
The season started in a difficult situation, as Joan Laporta and Deco were looking for a way to get rid of his services. His availability was offered to clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Betis, and Villarreal, but in the end, he stayed due to an epidemic of absences in the back line. The player took advantage of this opportunity to prove himself, showing that he has the level necessary to be an undisputed starter at Barcelona.
He has been impressive, winning over Hansi Flick with his experience, strength, and ease of control, and forming an excellent partnership with Pau López. However, his future seems far from Camp Nou, as he will be a free agent on June 30 and is now 33 years old; this could be his last game against eternal rivals Real Madrid.
Iñigo has several transfer options, knowing he will lose his importance at Barcelona when Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen recover from their injuries. He would drop to a secondary role as the team’s fourth defender, and before that happens, the Spain international would prefer to move elsewhere, securing a more significant role and signing a final big contract.
There are no negotiations to renew his contract, and Martínez has informed Deco that he will allow him to leave in January if a convincing offer comes in. He could end up in Saudi Arabia, where he could earn an astronomical salary. The former Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad player’s impressive performances have caught the eye of Premier League clubs such as Everton, West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Brentford, but the most attractive destination for him appears to be Saudi Arabia.