Crucial first-team defender all set to stay at Barcelona amid exit links – report | OneFootball

Inigo Martinez’s future at Barcelona has been shrouded in uncertainty for months. Speculation swirled around the defender with reports of interest from AC Milan and even a hypothetical return to Athletic Club.

A move to Saudi Arabia was not ruled out either, as he was courted by a few clubs who were more than willing to snap him up this summer.

Inigo Martinez all set to stay

However, in a major development, it appears Inigo Martinez is all set to stay at Barcelona next season and will fight for his place in the first team, reports Diario SPORT.

Despite his contract expiring next year, Barcelona has decided to keep Inigo Martinez on the squad. The biggest hurdle will be registering him due to the club’s well-documented financial struggles. However, reports suggest the Blaugrana are confident they can find a solution.

Inigo Martinez is not going anywhere (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

This comes on the back of reports linking Mika Faye with a move away from Camp Nou. Faye’s departure, coupled with Eric Garcia’s unsecured future could leave Inigo with the only left-footed centre-back in the team.

Martinez: A trusted option for Hansi Flick

Reports indicate that Inigo enjoys the backing of new manager Hansi Flick, who is well aware of his qualities.

While transfer rumours persist, including a rejected offer from Saudi Arabia, Inigo seems determined to fight for his place at Barcelona. He has never shown any intention of leaving Camp Nou this summer.

With potential departures at the back and a coaching staff that values his talent, Inigo may even see himself featuring prominently in Barcelona’s upcoming season.

For now, he’s undergoing intensive training to ensure peak fitness for the pre-season, which could be an ideal platform for him to showcase his talents to Hansi Flick.