Barcelona veteran defender on Al-Ittihad’s transfer wishlist – report

With only a week left before the summer transfer window closes, FC Barcelona are working hard to complete some player exits which would allow them to make one or two late signings.

Ilkay Gundogan has already left and soon Mika Faye, Clement Lenglet, and Vitor Roque will also follow suit.

Furthermore, Eric Garcia finds himself linked with a summer departure, with Girona interested in re-signing him.

Inigo Martinez to Saudi Arabia?

Now, another Barcelona defender has become a subject of transfer speculation as Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad have Inigo Martinez on their transfer wishlist.

This claim comes from L’Equipe (h/t Mundo Deportivo), who report that Al-Ittihad are intent on signing an experienced defender before the transfer window closes.

A move for PSG’s midfielder-turned-centre-back Danilo Pereira is under consideration but at the same time, the Saudi Pro League side also have Martinez’s name on their list.

Al-Ittihad have former Barcelona technical secretary Ramon Planes as their current sporting director, who knows what Martinez can bring to the table.

Departure unlikely

Despite the late interest shown by Al-Ittihad, as things stand, it is unlikely that Barcelona would let Inigo Martinez leave.

After all, the Catalans have already lost two of their frontline centre-backs, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, to injuries and Eric Garcia could be on his way out.

Given the scenario, sanctioning Martinez’s departure as well would leave Barcelona extremely light in the centre-back department.

Furthermore, the defender himself has always been keen on continuing at the club even at a time when his registration looked uncertain.

Hansi Flick also seems to have been impressed by Martinez, having pushed for his early registration and starting him ahead of Christensen in the La Liga opener.

All things considered, it is unlikely the Spaniard will leave, unless Al-Ittihad come up with an offer too good to turn down.