After regular appearances for Barcelona last season, defender Inigo Martinez has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Al Nassr had tried hard to sign Martinez last season but missed out. This time, they succeeded as the Spanish defender left Barcelona to join the Saudi club.
Recent reports had all but confirmed Martinez’s move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, and Al Nassr made it official on Saturday.
The 34-year-old defender joined Al Nassr as a free agent on a one-year contract, with an option to extend for another year.
Though his departure didn’t create much buzz, it came as a surprise since Martinez was one of Barcelona’s regular players last season. His solid partnership with Pau Cubars in central defense played a key role in the club’s wins in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He featured in 46 matches across all competitions.
A product of Real Sociedad’s academy, Martinez spent nine years with their first team before moving to Athletic Bilbao in 2018. After five seasons there, he joined Barcelona in 2023.
In two seasons at the Catalan club, he played 71 games, starting 61. Alongside his defensive duties, Martinez scored three goals and provided five assists.
Last season, Al Nassr made a strong push to sign him. ESPN reported that the Saudi club offered an attractive deal, but Barcelona’s sporting director Deco convinced him to stay. This time, he accepted Al Nassr’s call.
Before Martinez, Al Nassr signed Portuguese forward João Félix from Chelsea. After finishing third in the league last season, the club has brought in experienced coach Rúben Amorim with hopes of challenging for the title.
