Aug 3, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez (5) controls the ball during the first half during an international friendly against Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Iñigo Martínez’s Imminent Departure to Saudi Arabia

FC Barcelona are on the verge of offloading experienced centre-back Iñigo Martínez, with advanced negotiations taking place between the club, the player, and Al-Nassr, one of the top teams in the Saudi Pro League. The move, first reported by Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano, has since been confirmed by SPORT through sources within the club.

🚨🔵🔴 Breaking: Iñigo Martínez could leave Barcelona with immediate effect.

Club and Spanish defender discuss terms for potential exit as there are Saudi Pro League clubs interested. 👀🇸🇦

🟡🔵 Al Nassr are keen on Iñigo if he leaves Barça, as @MatteMoretto reports. pic.twitter.com/QZL4bAuT29
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025

The Basque defender, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Athletic Club in the summer of 2023, could leave just over a year into his stint at the Catalan club. Al-Nassr, the Saudi club that features Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly offering a transfer fee of €8 million. With an additional €3-4 million in variables based on the player’s performances in the Middle East.

Barça Aim to Ease Wage Bill

For Barcelona, the deal comes at a critical time. The club continues to battle against LaLiga’s financial fair play restrictions and must reduce its wage bill to accommodate new registrations. Iñigo Martínez, given his high salary and limited long-term role in the squad, has emerged as an ideal candidate to depart.

Although Barcelona initially focused on the potential exit of Andreas Christensen, recent developments have shifted the spotlight to Iñigo. The former Athletic Club captain was one of the two starting central defenders for much of the 2024–25 season. But the club’s sporting director Deco had already hinted publicly that one of the five centre-backs in the squad would need to leave.

With Christensen now expected to stay, Iñigo Martínez appears closest to the exit door.

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A Profitable Exit for Club and Iñigo

From Barcelona’s perspective, the move would represent pure profit, given that Iñigo arrived without a transfer fee. Offloading one of the highest salaries in the squad will give the Blaugrana crucial breathing room as they look to finalise their summer business.

Martínez is reportedly open to the move, and should final terms be agreed upon in the coming days, the veteran defender could become the latest European star to make the switch to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project.