Barcelona president Joan Laporta has described the departure of defender Iñigo Martínez, who has left the club after just one season, with his departure easing the club’s Financial Fair Play concerns, Softfootball reports.
Martinez’s transfer was a surprise to Barcelona fans who had believed the defender would stay in the club longer for experience. Speaking to the media, Laporta explained that Martínez joined Barça on a free transfer last summer, and letting him go now would free up significant salary space.
Speaking to the club’s official media, the president said:
“Saving his salary would help us with the Financial Fair Play rules.”
Martínez, 33, arrived from Athletic Club in July 2024 and quickly became an important figure in the squad. Operating mainly in central defence, his experience and composure were seen as vital during a campaign in which Barcelona faced injuries and rotation at the back.
Softfootball gathered that while the Catalan side initially planned to keep the Spanish international for the remaining year of his contract but a new opportunity emerged for the player, where he joined Al Nassr ahead of the new season.
Laporta then concluded:
“We are really grateful to Iñigo Martínez. He leaves in style after an extraordinary season in which he was a key figure. We would have liked for him to stay for the year left on his contract, but at times in a footballer’s life a train with opportunities comes along and you can’t miss it.”
Martínez made over 30 appearances in all competitions last season, including key fixtures in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His calm distribution and aerial strength were often highlighted, as was his leadership in the dressing room.
