In a move that has stunned the football world, FC Barcelona’s centre-back, Iñigo Martínez, is set to leave the club for €0, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The defender, who was conspicuously absent from the club’s afternoon training session today, will have his contract terminated by mutual agreement.
The development, confirmed by leading Catalan media and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, marks a dramatic pivot from earlier negotiations. It was previously understood that a transfer fee in the region of €8 million was being discussed for the Spanish international. However, the deal has now shifted to a complete contract termination, meaning Barcelona will receive no transfer fee for the player.
While the club forgoes a transfer income, the move is a strategic financial decision. By releasing Martínez, Barça is set to save between €12 million and €14 million in gross wages. This significant saving is reportedly critical for the club’s immediate priority: clearing enough room on its wage bill to register its remaining new signings with La Liga before the season begins.
For Al-Nassr, the acquisition is a major coup, adding an experienced La Liga defender to their ranks without a transfer outlay. The Saudi club is now poised to welcome Martínez, who will embark on a new chapter in the Middle East. The deal highlights the difficult financial balancing act at FC Barcelona, where freeing up salary space has become as crucial as earning from player sales.