Negotiations between Iñigo Martinez, Barcelona player, and Saudi club Al-Nassr have reached an advanced stage for the Spanish defender to join the Saudi Professional League next season. The transfer will be free despite Martinez renewing his contract with Barcelona, following an agreement that if another club shows interest and the player is keen, he will be allowed to leave. Barcelona wants to reward the player for his honesty and behavior, so the club will not place obstacles in his departure, especially since Barcelona has a surplus of central defenders. After Martinez’s departure, coach Xavi will have players like Koundé, Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Christensen in central defense, with others like Jules Koundé and Gerard Piqué also able to play there.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement with Al-Nassr is almost finalized as Martinez did not train with Barcelona on Thursday and is expected to join Al-Nassr in the coming hours. Last summer, Barcelona rejected a 5 million Saudi Riyal offer from a Saudi club for Martinez.