Xavi requested the signing of veteran defender to play with an alternative 3-4-3 formation | OneFootball

Earlier this week, reports emerged claiming that Inigo Martinez had successfully completed his medicals with FC Barcelona, ahead of a free transfer.

The 32-year-old centre-half has been on the agenda of the club since last summer, but the Catalans could not agree a transfer fee with Athletic Club in 2022.

However, with his contract expiring on June 30, the La Liga champions were able to secure an agreement over a free transfer months ago. An official announcement will likely be made after June 30, once his contract with Athletic is run down and Barça have more clarity on their Financial Fair Play situation.

Now, SPORT is reporting that manager Xavi Hernandez requested the signing of Inigo Martinez so that he can deploy his Barcelona team in an alternative 3-4-3 formation.

The Blaugrana have predominantly lined up in a 4-3-3 setup under Xavi over the past season and a half. However, the 43-year-old tactician wishes to have an alternative system in place to which he can switch seamlessly.

The Barcelona head coach has a 3-4-3 formation in mind and sees Martinez as the ideal player to slot in as the left-sided centre-back, alongside two of Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo in the three-man defensive line.

Xavi sees Martinez as a player who is good on the ball has good anticipation skills and can cover for the attack-minded Alejandro Balde on the left side. The 32-year-old is considered a good fit not only for the 3-4-3 setup but also for the 4-3-3 formation.

The manager is understood to have spoken with the Spanish international in 2022 itself and told him that he will be an important part of his plans at Barcelona.

With Martinez understood to have agreed a two-year contract with the Blaugrana, the only thing remaining is an official announcement from the club.