Barça won't pay for Martinez in January when he's free in the summer

It is no secret Barcelona are interested in signing Iñigo Martinez. The Athletic Club centre-back has long had admirers at the Catalan club. A few years ago he almost joined but Barça stepped back at the last minute, much to the annoyance of Ernesto Valverde, who was the coach at the time.

Martinez was linked again this summer but Barça signed Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde. But Barça have not forgotten about the Basque defender. They could move again at the end of the season, when Martinez's contract at San Mames expires and he is available for free.

Keeping in mind Barça's financial situation, which is still prickly despite an improvement, the club are not thinking of paying a euro for a player in January who can join for free six months later. It's similar to the Eric Garcia case in 2020-21.

During the electoral campaign, his signing was discussed a lot. Victor Font was in favour of signing him in January, but Joan Laporta, who won the elections, felt it made not sense to play for a player who would be free in the summer. It is exactly the same with Martinez now.

In addition, Barça are well covered at the back for now. Despite injuries, there are five centre-backs: Araujo, Kounde, Pique, Garcia and Christensen. Araujo will be out for the longest but even he should be back by January.