Al Nassr have reached a full agreement to sign Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer, with the experienced centre-back terminating his contract at Barcelona ahead of a new challenge in Saudi Arabia, Softfootball reports.
Martínez, 33, leaves Barça just one year after arriving at Camp Nou from Athletic Club to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The Spain international has now chosen to embark on a new chapter, signing a contract with Al Nassr until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further season.
Softfootball understands that Martinez is to fill the quest for Marc Cucurella, who turned down Al Nassr to commit to the Chelsea project under Enzo Maresca.
Transfer Expert and Journalist Fabrizio Romano, wrote on his verified X handle about the movement of Martinez.
He wrote this:
“BREAKING: Al Nassr agree deal to sign Iñigo Martínez, here we go! 🟡🔵
Iñigo will terminate his contract at Barcelona with immediate effect and join Al Nassr asa free agent.
Contract until June 2026 plus option for further season until June 2027.”
The deal was finalised after direct talks between all parties progressed over the weekend. Sources confirm to Softfootball that Martínez agreed to personal terms with Al Nassr earlier this week, and he will fly to Riyadh for medical tests before being officially unveiled.
Martínez’s exit brings a quiet end to his short spell in Catalonia, where he made just 15 appearances across all competitions. With Barcelona trimming their wage bill and looking to promote younger defenders, the former Real Sociedad captain was given the green light to leave.
Al Nassr, meanwhile, have been searching for an experienced left-footed centre-back to complement Aymeric Laporte. The pair are expected to form the core of Luis Castro’s defence for the 2025/26 season, as the Riyadh club continues to build a squad capable of challenging Al Hilal’s recent domestic dominance.
Martínez becomes the latest high-profile European name to join the Saudi Pro League, following deals for Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Otávio last summer. His leadership and defensive positioning are seen as key assets as Al Nassr prepares for a return to AFC Champions League action.
Although the move signals the end of Martínez’s top-level European journey, insiders say the defender is “motivated by the project” in Riyadh and eager to play regular football again after a stop-start season at Barcelona.
A formal announcement is expected once the medicals are completed.
