Barcelona run into familiar problems with key veteran star’s contract renewal | OneFootball

The last few weeks have seen FC Barcelona secure the future of several players with new contract signings.

Indeed, the likes of Ronald Araujo, Gerard Martin, Pedri, Gavi, and more recently Pau Cubarsi all penned new long-term deals with the Blaugrana.

In the middle of all this, it was also reported that veteran defender Inigo Martinez would also sign a new contract with the club.

Even though the 33-year-old’s current deal has an option for an additional year, which will be activated once he plays he plays at least 45 minutes in 60% of the matches this season, Barça wanted to offer him a fresh deal altogether.

It was suggested that Martinez would sign the contract towards the end of the winter window but it is yet to happen.

FFP margin halts Martinez’s renewal

Now, MARCA reports that after securing contract extensions for Araujo, Pedri, Gavi, and Cubarsi, Barcelona have realised they do not have the necessary Financial Fair Play margin to process Martinez’s renewal.

Barcelona are now in discussions with La Liga to find a solution that would allow them to complete the renewal within financial regulations.

Renewal temporary halted. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Talks are ongoing, but the issue remains unresolved for now. As a result, Martinez will have to wait before his renewal can be finalised.

Barcelona could play up to 61 matches this season if they reach the finals of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

This means that for the automatic renewal to be triggered, Martinez would need to feature in 37 games. So far, he has played in 29 matches, with 28 counting towards the clause, as one appearance did not meet the 45-minute requirement.

Barcelona had already informed the veteran that there was no need to wait for the clause to be activated. They intended to renew his contract regardless due to his strong performances and even agreed to maintain his salary as stipulated, and everything appeared settled.

But the FFP situation has once again reared its head, leading to Martinez’s renewal getting halted, even if it is temporary.