Al-Nassr secures Martinez following his departure from Barcelona
In a significant move for the Saudi Pro League, Spanish defender Inigo Martinez has joined Al-Nassr. The 31-year-old centre-back, who previously played for Chelsea's Joao Felix this summer, has left Barcelona and signed a contract with the Saudi club as a free agent.
Martinez's career in La Liga spans over a decade, with stints at Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao before joining Barcelona in 2023. He made his professional debut with Real Sociedad at the age of 20 and played 238 matches for the club, scoring 17 goals. In January 2018, he moved to Athletic Bilbao for €32 million, where he won the 2020–21 Supercopa de España and reached two Copa del Rey finals.
During his time at Barcelona, Martinez was a key defensive figure under coach Hansi Flick, playing 46 matches and scoring three goals. He notably contributed to their UEFA Champions League semifinal run in the 2024–25 season. However, the lucrative financial offer from Al-Nassr was the main reason for his move, despite being settled at Barcelona with a good salary and family considerations.
Martinez's contract with Barcelona included a clause allowing him to leave for a Saudi club on a free transfer, which facilitated the transfer. His move to Al-Nassr is part of the club's ambition to compete more closely with European teams, joining a squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Inigo Martinez has earned 21 caps for the Spanish national team and will now bring his experience and defensive prowess to Al-Nassr. The announcement was made by Al-Nassr on Sunday, and the contract between Martinez and the club is valid until 2026.
As Al-Nassr prepares to face Al-Ittihad in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup on 19 August, the addition of Martinez is expected to strengthen their defense alongside star players like Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Barcelona official website: Inigo Martinez
- Athletic Bilbao official website: Inigo Martinez
- Transfermarkt: Inigo Martinez
- Espn: Inigo Martinez joins Al-Nassr
- Inigo Martinez, with a decade-long career in Spanish La Liga, spent time at Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, and Barcelona, will now lend his expertise to the European-leagues of football, specifically Laliga, as he joins Al-Nassr.
- Leaving behind a successful tenure at Barcelona, in which he contributed to their UEFA Champions League semifinal run and became a key figure under coach Hansi Flick, Martinez is now set to fortify the defense of Al-Nassr, a Saudi club aiming to compete more closely with European leagues, including Laliga.
