Barcelona considering the signing of veteran Spanish defender in January due to injuries | OneFootball

It has been just over a month since the summer transfer window closed, during which Barcelona strengthened their defence with multiple signings. But, they are likely to enter the market again for a new defender in January if fresh reports are to be believed.

Indeed, Mundo Deportivo is claiming that Barça are studying the possibility of signing Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club in the winter transfer window after seeing their defenders fall victims to injuries over the past couple of weeks.

The Catalans lost Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo to injuries during the international break. The Frenchman is expected to return in time for El Clasico in ten days, but the Uruguaya international is ruled out for over two months after undergoing surgery.

More recently, the Blaugrana saw Andreas Christensen sustain an ankle injury in the UEFA Champions League encounter versus Inter Milan earlier this week.

It has left manager Xavi with just Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique as the senior centre-back options heading into a busy fixture schedule. The Barcelona manager is thus considering calling up youngster Chadi Riad for the upcoming game against Celta Vigo.

At the same time, it seems like Barça are keen to avoid another similar situation later in the season and are considering the possible signing of Martinez in the winter transfer window itself.

The Spanish centre-half had been linked with the Catalan giants during the summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise. However, reports have stated that the 31-year-old, whose contract with Athletic Club expires at the end of the season, will join Barcelona in the summer of 2023 as a free agent.

But, Xavi & co. are considering accelerating those plans and bringing Martinez into the fold in January itself, owing to the recent injuries.

Any move, however, would depend on how much Athletic Club demand for their defensive mainstay, as well as the 31-year-old having recovered from his own fitness problems.