Iñigo Martínez Set for Al Nassr Medical Ahead of Free Transfer

Al Nassr are quickly finalizing the signing of Spanish defender Iñigo Martínez. He will undergo medical tests this week and sign a one-year contract, with the option to extend until June 2026.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Iñigo Martínez is leaving FC Barcelona to join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. The 33-year-old central defender will terminate his Barcelona contract through a mutual agreement, allowing the move on a free transfer. Martínez, who played 46 matches for Barcelona last season, played a crucial role in their LaLiga and Copa del Rey-winning team. He has agreed to personal terms with Al Nassr, and his new deal will run initially until June 2026, with the option for a further year if both parties agree. He will undergo medical examinations this week to complete the move. Barcelona is expected to terminate Iñigo Martínez’s contract to allow his departure to Al Nassr.

BIGGER SIGNIFICANCE FOR AL NASSR AND BARCELONA

Martínez’s arrival gives Al Nassr another experienced European defender, adding to a squad that already boasts Cristiano Ronaldo but has seem players leavie, like Aymeric Laporte, and Otávio, showing their ambition to win domestic and continental titles. Al Nassr finished third in last season’s Saudi Pro League and are preparing for a title challenge in the new campaign. For Barcelona, the move opens up salary space and helps them with squad registration concerns ahead of the new LaLiga season. However, they will lose a reliable player who was a vital fixture in the team’s defensive line, frequently partnering with Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo as they triumphed in LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. Barcelona needs to find an immediate replacement for Iñigo Martínez with nine days left before the new La Liga season.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Once the medical is complete and the contract is signed, Martínez is expected to join Al Nassr’s pre-season preparations ahead of the Pro League opener. Al Nassr’s first match is against Al Ahli, who finished fourth last season, and both teams are expected to be key title contenders. Al Nassr are currently looking to close the gap on champions Al Ittihad from last season. Barcelona must plan for life without Martínez as they aim to defend their Spanish titles, with Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen competing for central defensive roles. Their LaLiga campaign opens in nine days, and the loss of Martínez will be noteworthy as they finalize their registration process and make tactical adjustments.