Barcelona centre-back Íñigo Martínez is reportedly on the verge of a shock transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, in a move that could be finalised before the 2025-26 La Liga season kicks off.
The unexpected transfer, which took many by surprise, will see Martínez head to the Saudi Pro League. The departure is expected to significantly ease Barcelona’s wage bill and may facilitate the registration of goalkeeper Joan García.
According to reports, the veteran defender has been granted permission by the club to skip training sessions in order to complete the move. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed the development with his signature “here we go,” indicating the deal is all but done.
Romano adds that Martínez is set to terminate his contract with Barcelona ahead of schedule. However, journalist Gerard Romero suggests the 33-year-old will depart in a transfer valued between €5-10 million.
The Spanish international is believed to have received a lucrative offer from Al-Nassr. With Barcelona boasting strong depth in central defence, the club appears willing to greenlight the exit.
While the move makes financial sense for all parties, it marks the loss of a key dressing room figure at Camp Nou. Martínez was widely seen as a natural leader and was even considered a potential addition to the team’s captaincy group for the upcoming campaign. Young defender Pau Cubarsí had recently described him as a fitting captaincy candidate.
Instead, Martínez now looks set to begin a new chapter in the Middle East, leaving behind a short but influential stint at Barcelona.
