FC Barcelona could count on Iñigo Martínez for one more season if the centre-back maintains the level shown at the beginning of 2024/25. The 33-year-old defender has recovered his best version under the orders of Hansi Flick, leaving behind the physical problems that he suffered during his last year in Bilbao and consolidating himself as one of the 'silent' leaders of the Barça locker room.
The one from Ondarroa signed for Barça in the summer of 2023 for two seasons, at a rate of 4.5 million net euros per year. After several weeks in which there was speculation about his possible departure this summer, Hansi Flick cleared up doubts about his continuity after the start of the preseason. Injuries to Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen have cleared the way for the Basque to become a starter, playing all the minutes in the first four rounds of LaLiga.
Together with Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo has brought out his experience to accompany the kid in the center of the defense, leaving very good feelings at the beginning of 2024/25. In that sense, his permanence in the eleven is considered indisputable, at least, until the end of the year, since both Araújo and Christensen will miss the rest of 2024. With Eric García better rated as a pivot, the Basque has options to complete his best season in a long time, as long as the injuries respect him.
The clause that could direct the renewal of Iñigo Martínez before the end of the year
In accordance with the provisions of his contract, Martínez can automatically renew for one more year with Barça, until June 2026, if he plays at least 60% of the official matches in 24/25. To do this, he must play at least 45 minutes in each presentation, something very feasible as long as injuries continue to limit the rotations for Hansi Flick in the center of the defense.
So far, Iñigo has played 29 official matches (1,988 minutes) with Barça, without goals or assists and with a total of 7 yellow cards received. Beyond the salary issue, the one from Ondarroa is earning enough merit to stay, being one of the players most valued by the coaching staff due to his dedication and professionalism on the field, both in games and in training. If his continuity at Barça is ruled out next summer, his renewal could be equally important to ensure a transfer that leaves money in the culés' coffers.