Inigo Martinez, a defender, will be joining Barcelona on a free transfer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires, Barcelona said on Wednesday.
The Catalans’ recent practice of recruiting seasoned players at no transfer cost is continued with the signing of the 32-year-old centre-back, a Spain international, on a contract that runs through 2025.
Barcelona acquired Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, and Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan in a similar manner last week after their contracts expired.
Laliga: Barcelona Squad Against Athletic Bilbao Revealed (Full List)
The Spanish champions said in a statement that “(Martinez) will sign for two seasons, until June 30 2025, and will have a 400 million euro ($435 million) release clause.”
Martinez, who came through at Real Sociedad and played for them for seven seasons in the top flight, moved to Athletic in January 2017.
Athletic Bilbao paid his 32 million euro ($35 million) buy-out clause, which remains a club record fee.
Martinez played 177 times for Athletic, scoring eight goals and winning the Spanish Super Cup in 2021, as well as reaching two Copa del Rey finals.
Follow us on facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.
