Inigo Martinez could sign for Barcelona this summer if the club can register him under Financial Fair Play rules. The centre-back is out of a contract with Athletic Club this summer, and will be able to walk out as a free agent.
The Catalonian club will not have to pay a transfer fee, but could face a problem in getting his contract registered. La Liga have asked them to reduce their expenses by €200 million this summer, which has thrown their plans of signing new players into doubt.
Inigo Martinez agrees free transfer with Barcelona for summer
In spite of having the likes of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen in the squad as designated centre-backs, Xavi has opted to use Marcos Alonso as the left-sided central defender on many occasions.
Having Inigo Martinez, a naturally left-footed centre-back, will allow Alonso to move out to the left-back position as a rotational option for Jordi Alba. However, the problem lies on the financial front.
The 19-cap Spain international came through the Real Sociedad academy before moving to Bilbao in 2018. According to reports from Spain, Martinez has agreed to join Barcelona. But Financial Fair Play could rule it out, especially if the club is to re-sign Lionel Messi this summer.
