Barcelona's Blueprint: Four Strategic Moves to Fill the Inigo Martinez Void
Should Barcelona have decided to offload a central defender during the summer transfer window, few would have anticipated Iñigo Martínez being the chosen departure, and predictably, disappointment and worry dominate fan sentiment following reports of the 34-year-old's move to Saudi Arabia
The experienced defender was instrumental in Hansi Flick's successful squad during the previous campaign, featuring in 46 matches across all tournaments as Barcelona secured three national titles.
A departure might have been justified by a transfer sum that the cash-strapped La Liga winners couldn't turn down, but Al Nassr have secured Martínez without any fee. Rather, Barça chose to respect the arrangement they made with the player following his contract renewal in March. Should a substantial proposal come from the Middle East, Martínez would be permitted to depart.
The Spanish international has already made his debut for his new team, and will complete his two-year contract significantly wealthier.
For Barcelona, Martínez's unexpected departure doesn't constitute a catastrophe, but the left-footed defender has created a substantial gap in Flick's defensive line. Here's how they might choose to fill the void left by the 34-year-old with the 2025–26 campaign approaching.
Purchase an Affordable Replacement
The straightforward solution would be acquiring a substitute with several weeks remaining in the summer window.
Nevertheless, Barcelona have still not registered any of their new acquisitions, and even eliminating Martínez's wages won't enable them to bring in expected first-choice keeper Joan García.
Consequently, it appears unlikely for Barça to acquire anyone else this summer—even at a bargain price. The terrible scope of their financial mismanagement throughout the years has left them activating economic levers continuously, and struggling until the final moment to register new players before the season begins.
Following their 5–0 victory over Serie A club Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday night, Flick stated he "doesn't believe" Barcelona will acquire a Martínez replacement.
Free Agent
The lack of a transfer cost might assist Barcelona in completing a deal for a newcomer this summer, but the available free agent market is, as expected, lacking in quality.
There isn't a single noteworthy name currently accessible, with Transfermarkt showing Dynamo Kyiv's Oleksandr Syrota as the most valuable (€1.5 million) center back available on a free transfer who's competing in Europe. The 25-year-old hasn't represented Ukraine since 2022, and spent the previous season loaned to Maccabi Haifa in Israel.
The club would simply be acquiring a defender without purpose. If they wait twelve months, players like Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and John Stones might become available.
Utilize Existing Resources
Initial indications suggest this is the path Barcelona will pursue. They do possess reasonably solid center back options.
Pau Cubarsí's development and excellent partnership with Martínez relegated the previously essential Ronald Araújo to a backup position. The Uruguayan, despite his ball-playing weaknesses, should resurface as a crucial component in this Barcelona defense.
Furthermore, Flick brought Andreas Christensen back from injury during the latter stages of 2024–25, and supported his retention this summer. Club officials were eager to transfer the Danish player with only one year remaining on his deal, but the manager's preferences have been respected.
Barcelona also possess two right backs in Jules Koundé and Eric García, who are natural central defenders, while Gerard Martín was deployed at center back during preseason. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong also has some background dropping into the defensive line.
It appears Araújo and Cubarsí will form the preferred starting partnership, but don't be shocked if Christensen, assuming he remains healthy, plays a significant role and ultimately extends his time in Catalonia.
La Masia Academy
It's extraordinary that Barcelona find themselves in such financial turmoil, considering how much money La Masia has preserved for them over the decades.
Pau Cubarsí stands among the current foundation players to emerge from their prestigious academy, with the center back breaking through during the latter half of 2023–24 before excelling during Flick's triumphant inaugural season.
The 18-year-old has experienced some difficulties, but any teenager would struggle defending in such an attacking system. Any impulsive decisions and lapses in focus are far outweighed by his solid defensive basics and distribution skills.
Perhaps Barcelona will soon discover another defensive talent from their academy to eventually pair with Cubarsí. Alexis Olmedo, Álvaro Cortés and Mamadour Fall are the center backs currently listed with Barça Atlètic for the 2025–26 season. Cortés, specifically, is worth monitoring closely.
Andrés Cuenca, Landry Farre and Leo Saca are somewhat younger, but could also find themselves in Flick's considerations.