Barcelona President Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Inigo Martinez's Unexpected Exit

Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has revealed that compliance with "financial fair play regulations" played a crucial role in the club's unexpected decision to release Iñigo Martínez during the summer transfer window.

Martínez served as a cornerstone of Hansi Flick's defensive setup throughout the previous campaign, accumulating nearly 50 matches across all tournaments as Barcelona secured three domestic titles. The experienced center-back formed an outstanding defensive duo with young talent Pau Cubarsí, with both players adapting to an intensely attacking tactical approach that placed significant demands on the central defenders.

The 34-year-old arrived at the club from Athletic Club two seasons prior, having built a reputation as one of La Liga's most reliable defensive players.

While he considered departing in 2024, Flick persuaded him to remain, and it was anticipated he would fulfill his contract with the Catalan giants, which was set to conclude the following summer.

Nevertheless, the surprising announcement of his transfer to Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr emerged last week, following Martínez's participation with Flick's squad during their preseason Asian tour.

When addressing the rationale behind the move, Barcelona president Laporta indicated there were benefits for both the organization and the player: "I believe Iñigo Martinez would have preferred to remain for another campaign, but at 34, the opportunity he received is rare and typically occurs just once in a professional career," he commented following the 5–0 triumph over Como in Sunday's Joan Gamper Trophy (via Get Football News Spain).

"Iñigo joined us without a transfer fee, and we had previously agreed with him that should such a scenario develop, eliminating his wages would assist us in meeting financial fair play requirements. Consequently, I extend my best wishes to him."

Barcelona continues to face significant financial difficulties and are encountering challenges in registering new acquisitions before the 2025–26 season begins. Although they didn't receive a transfer fee for Martínez's departure, the club has eliminated his €9 million annual wages, as reported by Capology. However, this savings remains insufficient to register anticipated first-choice goalkeeper Joan García following his cross-city transfer from Espanyol.