Valverde has insisted on a centre-back since arriving at Barcelona

Valverde has insisted on a centre-back since arriving at Barcelona

Valverde quiere un central más
Valverde quiere un central más | sport

The former Athletic coach is pushing for Iñigo Martinez

Vermaelen and Marlon would be the players affected

Ernesto Valverde arrived in Barcelona stressing the need to sign a centre-back. However, after talks with the signing committee, he agreed to see how things went in the United States. Three games later, he's not changed his opinion. The coach feels he needs a new defender and he has a name in mind: Iñigo Martinez. 

The arrival of Martinez will accelerate the departure of the other centre-backs which, from the start, were not in Valverde's plans. The first being Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian has played minutes during pre-season and his situation on the market has changed. In the last few days, various reports in Belgium suggest Anderlecht will make a move. 

Marlon, WAITING

The more than likely signing of Iñigo could also directly affect the Brazilian defender Marlon Santos. He's had pre-season to prove he deserves a spot in the first team.

However, Barça would prefer to find a middle step. Marlon is a bet for the future and the arrival of Martinez would leave him with limited options to play and to continue to improve. The club would therefore look to find a loan move, preferably in the Spanish top flight. 

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