Barcelona Stunned as Star Defender Walks Away in Shocking Free Transfer Exit

Among the most surprising moves of the transfer window, Barcelona center-back Iñigo Martínez is poised to depart the Catalan club and make the switch to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia's top flight.
The 34-year-old central defender will join Al Nassr without a transfer fee, penning a deal that runs until June 2026 with a potential one-year extension included, according to Fabrizio Romano. A clause in his existing contract reportedly permitted a cost-free departure, which the player has now exercised.
Barcelona will receive no transfer compensation from this transaction as the player's current deal will be terminated with immediate effect. While this departure might not create major headlines given Barcelona's abundance of talent, Martínez proved to be an important squad member during the previous campaign.
Following his arrival at Barcelona in 2023, the 34-year-old featured in 46 matches across all tournaments last season under manager Hansi Flick. He was named in the starting eleven for 11 of 13 Champions League fixtures, missing two group stage encounters due to a hamstring problem sustained in the Spanish Super Cup final, and was given a rest in the second leg of the quarterfinal clash after securing a commanding 4–0 aggregate advantage over Borussia Dortmund.
Across La Liga competition, Martínez earned 28 starting positions while missing three matches due to injury and one because of suspension through card accumulation. He played a crucial role during Barcelona's remarkable domestic unbeaten streak that lasted from January 18 through May 18. He also played the entire 120 minutes in the Copa del Rey final as the Catalans claimed their second piece of silverware in what became their maiden domestic treble. Without the injury setback, Martínez would likely have continued as a regular starter under Flick's guidance.
Although Martínez's departure weakens the defensive options, it represents a more significant setback considering the reported contract termination and Barcelona's ongoing negative publicity regarding their financial struggles. The club faced intense criticism last season during registration complications with Dani Olmo that have extended into the summer transfer period amid the failed pursuit of Nico Williams. Barcelona ultimately secured Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford on a temporary deal, though uncertainties persist regarding his registration status as well.
However, this departure might create salary cap space to register another summer acquisition: Joan García. The former Espanyol shot-stopper is expected to assume the number one role from the sidelined Marc-André ter Stegen, whose own future remains highly uncertain.