An FC Barcelona star can leave the club for free if not registered in the next 48 hours according to ... [+]
An FC Barcelona star can leave the club for free if not registered in the next 48 hours according to Catalunya Radio, which cited anonymous sources.
Inigo Martinez joined the Catalans last summer on a free transfer from Athletic Club. Though he took a backseat to 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo in terms of selection by now-former head coach Xavi Hernandez, he was still relied on at times when the Uruguayan was injured and made 25 appearances in all competitions - 20 of which came in La Liga.
With Araujo once again crocked at the Copa America facing Raphinha's Brazil in the Copa America quarterfinals last weekend, Martinez might once again be needed by Xavi's successor Hansi Flick to start the new season.
He could partner Cubarsi and face positional rivalry from Andreas Christensen to do so. Though if Barca hasn't brought in a defensive midfielder, the Dane operate as a pivot as routinely seen in 2023/2024.
It will be economic woes that once again stop Barca from being able to buy an heir to Sergio Busquets, who departed to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after winning the league in the spring of 2023.
Ex-Girona man Oriol Romeu started brightly in his place last term, but then soon lost his way and confidence amid a string of poor performances.
Back to Inigo, though, it was issues navigating Financial Fair Play which meant he was only registered for a single season.
Because of this, Catalunya Radio points out, he can leave for free on Monday July 15 if not registered again with La Liga across the next 48 hours.
Some might argue that it wouldn't be such a grave loss were Inigo to walk, especially considering that the Blaugrana paid nothing for him when he left Athletic Club.
Yet Barca would also be liable to pay him his full salary, which would indeed be a problem, and there is also the chance lost to sell Inigo on for a profit if he doesn't form part of Flick's plans in 2024/2025.
At the same time, Inigo could receive reassurances from President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco, and simply do nothing at the turn of the week ahead of waiting until Barca has got its house in order to register him.
