Athlete Íñigo Martínez parts ways with FC Barcelona on a free transfer, joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr instead.
FC Barcelona Shake-Up: Ter Stegen Stripped of Number 1 Jersey, Martínez Departs as a Free Agent
In a surprising turn of events at FC Barcelona, German goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen finds himself without an official squad number for the 2025-2026 season. The club has confirmed that the number 1 shirt is expected to be taken by Joan Garcia, the new first-choice goalkeeper, once he is officially registered.
Ter Stegen's departure from the iconic number 1 jersey comes amidst internal issues at the club. The goalkeeper refused to sign a key medical report for LaLiga, leading to disciplinary measures such as losing both his captaincy and his squad number[1][2][4]. As of now, no alternative number has been formally assigned to Ter Stegen.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona has bid farewell to defender Íñigo Martínez, who has left the club as a free agent. His departure was accelerated in the last 48 hours and has freed up 60% of the salary cap, roughly 14 million euros, which is intended for the registration of Joan García, Rashford, and Szczesny[5].
Martínez's departure also marks the end of his partnership with Pau Torres at FC Barcelona. Torres has taken over the legacy left by Martínez, with the '5' shirt being passed to him[6]. Martínez himself agreed with FC Barcelona to leave as a free agent if a multimillion-dollar offer like the one from Al-Nassr came in[7].
On a positive note, Martínez's departure has proven to be a partial solution to the economic problems of FC Barcelona. The freed-up salary space will undoubtedly help the club in its pursuit of new talent[8].
In other news, FC Barcelona will be bolstering its squad with the registrations of Joan García, Rashford, and Szczesny. The new arrivals are expected to bring fresh energy and skills to the team. Meanwhile, Garcia is set to make his debut in the Saudi Super Cup on August 19, with Íñigo Martínez representing Al-Nassr in the same tournament[3].
References: 1. Source 1 2. Source 2 3. Source 3 4. Source 4 5. Source 5 6. Source 6 7. Source 7 8. Source 8
The average salary cap of FC Barcelona has been increased by approximately 14 million euros following the departure of defender Íñigo Martínez as a free agent. This additional financial freedom will be utilized to register new talents such as Joan García, Rashford, and Szczesny.
In contrast, German goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen is yet to receive a formal number assignment after relinquishing the iconic number 1 jersey, amidst internal disputes at the club.
