Barcelona sign Inigo Martinez on free transfer from Athletic Bilbao
Baku, July 5, AZERTAC
Barcelona have announced the signing of defender Inigo Martinez on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao, according to The Athletic.
The centre-back’s contract with the Basque club expired at the end of June and he has now sealed a move to the Camp Nou on a two-year deal until the summer of 2025.
Martinez, 32, had been linked with a switch to Barcelona in January and the club have now confirmed his arrival.
Martinez made more than 200 appearances for Real Sociedad after coming through their youth ranks, before joining Athletic Bilbao in 2018 after the club paid his €32million release clause.
He went on to make 177 appearances — including 18 in all competitions last season.
Martinez has won 20 caps for Spain, most recently in March, but did not feature in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for last month’s European Qualifiers.
Barcelona missed out on Lionel Messi this summer after their former star opted to join Inter Miami, but head coach Xavi has lured Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer.
La Liga last month approved the champions’ economic viability plan, allowing them register new contracts for Ronald Araujo and Gavi, but they are still operating under financial constraints.
The club remain over their salary limit and can only spend 40 per cent of whatever they raise through sales and loans on new signings.
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