Imminent agreement! Barça, one step away from renewing the replacement of Alejandro Balde

The FC Barcelona board does not want to leave loose ends regarding the future of the squad's youth players. The next player to extend his contract with the club will be Gerard Martín, after the 22-year-old defender's good start to the season under Hansi Flick. The one from Esplugues de Llobregat could leave free at the end of 2024/25, although his contract includes one more optional year.

According to the latest information, the '35' will renew for four more years, until June 2025, a contract with which Barça seeks to secure who many consider to be the ideal replacement for Alejandro Balde. The Barça board met this week with the footballer's agents and the agreement could be closed in the coming days, with an adjustment to his file after the increase in his termination clause.

Flick started him in the preseason against Manchester City and AC Milan, in both matches occupying the left side. Against Valencia, the defender made his official debut in LaLiga, taking the place of the injured Balde with half an hour left in the game. Then he played 65 minutes against Rayo, leaving good feelings on a demanding visit to Vallecas.

Hansi Flick has been key in directing the renewal of Gerard Martín

In that sense, the work of the German coach has been decisive in resolving the negotiation with the defender's agents in a short time. The trust of the coaching staff leads Gerard to extend his bond with Barça, knowing he is important in the Heidelberg team's plans in the medium and long term. Flick is strongly committed to young talent and, since the preseason, he has made it clear to the club that, given the limited financial margin to strengthen itself, the most sensible thing is to give confidence to the youth players to exploit their full potential. 

Martín played a total of 41 games (3,690 minutes) with the reserve team, adding one assist. His versatility to defend the left side and the center of the defense with a changed profile makes him a very valuable piece to measure the minutes of the squad, in the midst of a very complicated schedule for the internationals. As long as Barça continues to play every 3-4 days, the kids are guaranteed a leading role in both the League and the Champions League, even more so if the plague of injuries reappears in the club.