Report – The inside story of Barcelona veteran refusing a summer exit

The redemption of Inigo Martinez has been one of the key highlights for Barcelona in the new season.

The veteran defender has built a formidable partnership with Pau Cubarsi, helping Barcelona emerge as the best-performing club in La Liga so far.

However, back in the summer, Martinez was one of the players shortlisted to be sold by Barcelona, as part of their plans to trim the squad.

The veteran defender had to be re-registered with La Liga and given the Financial Fair Play woes, his departure was being contemplated.

Martinez’s message to Barcelona in the summer

However, a recent report from Mundo Deportivo suggests Inigo Martinez was not on board with the idea of leaving Barcelona in the summer.

During the summer, after reading news of his potential exit, the veteran centre-back rushed to the club’s offices and told them clearly, “I’m not leaving.”

One of Barcelona’s key players this season (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Formerly of Athletic Club, Martinez joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer. However, his first season at Barça was quite tumultuous as he struggled to maintain consistency, while his progress was halted by injuries.

A leader under Flick

All of that has changed under the leadership of Hansi Flick, who has turned the veteran into a key leader at the back.

In fact, the report adds that Flick was overly impressed by Martinez’s performance and commitment in the first training session.

From there on, the German tactician asked Martinez to stay at the club – a decision that has paid off for both parties.

However, as players like Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen continue their recovery, it will be interesting to see whether or not the dynamics of the Barcelona defence change once these two central defenders return to full fitness.