FC Barcelona on alert: Atlético is interested in signing one of their key players

Published:17/03/2025 - 23:01h

Updated:18/03/2025 - 00:27h

Atlético de Madrid wants Iñigo Martínez, but his contract keeps him at Barça for another season

The technical director of FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick, has fully utilized the performance of each of his players since the start of the 2024-25 season, and as is customary, other teams are on the lookout to see who they can take from the azulgrana squad. Such is the case with Atlético de Madrid, a team interested in a key player in the club's defensive line.

This is defender Iñigo Martínez, a fundamental player in the Catalan team. The Ondarroa native, since Hansi Flick took over as coach of Barcelona, has established himself as one of the pillars of the azulgrana defense, alongside Pau Cubarsí, due to his excellent ball distribution, correct decision-making when playing the offside trap that the coach favors, and the leadership he demonstrates every time he is on the field.

Although Ronald Araujo and Eric García take advantage of every opportunity when Hansi Flick needs them, the former Athletic Club player continues to assert himself in the defensive zone. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen has not managed to recover from the injury spiral that has sidelined him for most of the season.

Is there a possibility that Iñigo Martínez will end up in the capital?

The emergence of the Basque center-back could not be explained without the German coach, as he placed the necessary trust in him to consolidate as a standout piece of the team after the injuries that accompanied him in his first season wearing azulgrana. Now, according to 'Relevo', the 'colchoneros', despite having Clément Lenglet this season, are unsure if he will remain in 2025-26, and want to acquire another left-footed center-back, which is where Iñigo Martínez becomes a key figure due to the interest he generates among the 'rojiblancos'.

On Thursday, March 13, FC Barcelona announced the renewal of the 33-year-old defender for another season, as a way to secure his services. Although in the Catalan capital he is not seen as untouchable in the upcoming summer market, they know that with this extended link they could extract some money from Atlético de Madrid for a player who in the 2024-25 season has demonstrated, so far, the reasons for his undisputed starting position.

The Ondarroa native's contract was set to expire on June 30, but his ability to understand Hansi Flick's playing style earned him a signature for another season with Barça. Similarly, it was stipulated that if the defender managed to play 60% of the commitments this season, his renewal would be automatic, but beyond that, Martínez with his good performances made the decision of the sports management be made earlier than agreed to avoid setbacks.

The performance of the Basque defender was well rewarded

The good performances of Iñigo Martínez also helped him get called up by Luis de la Fuente for the Spanish national team to compete in the quarter-finals of the Nations League against the Netherlands. However, an internal meniscus injury in his right knee suffered after the match against Atlético de Madrid took away the option of wearing the 'La Roja' jersey after not receiving a call since December 2023.