FC Barcelona transfer news: Inigo Martinez is expected to be the first new signing of the summer for Barcelona. The player is out of a contract with Athletic Club this summer and has reportedly agreed a deal with the Catalonian side.

The club had the chance to sign other central defenders, but has turned them down in favour of a free transfer for Martinez. There is currently a verbal agreement in place between the two parties, and the official paperwork will be signed in due course.

FC Barcelona transfer news: Inigo Martinez to sign for Barcelona this summer

Barclona have once again rejected an approach to sign another centre back in the summer as they are convinced Iñigo Martinez will become their first signing 🔵🔴 #FCB

Verbal agreement in place, waiting on Financial Fair Play to proceed with the key stages of the deal 👇🏻 https://t.co/Gb82AzUcs3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 30, 2023

The club is convinced that Inigo Martinez will be making the move across Spain this summer. However, Financial Fair Play will be a big factor in the player actually being recruited.

If Barcelona are unable to register the defender, then he could be sent out on loan. This is a clause that they have discussed with the player, and one that he has agreed to.

La Liga have asked Barcelona to trim their expenses by €200 million this summer, which makes it really difficult for new players to come in. But considering that some players could be on their way out of the club, things can be made easier.

Xavi Hernandez has had to use Marcos Alonso as the left-sided central defender in his 4-3-3 in some matches. And with Martinez, he could use a more natural player in that position with Alonso being allowed to play on the left flank.