FC Barcelona has been producing outstanding results this season, and they are working hard to bolster manager Hansi Flick’s team. One of the team’s main players is 33-year-old Iñigo Martínez. The Basque defender’s contract was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025, but it contained a provision that would automatically extend it for an additional year if he played in 60% of the games this season and played at least 45 minutes.
But months ago, Deco, the Director of Football, and Flick agreed that they would not be able to keep the seasoned defender on the team due to his exceptional performance; they decided that his retention would not be contingent on reaching a certain number of appearances. As a result, they decided that if he was willing, they would activate the provision right now.
The problem stemmed from the club’s financial limitations because, prior to the winter market, they did not adhere to the 1:1 ratio. However, in January, the club was able to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor thanks to the CSD’s precautionary step and the money they made from the sale of VIP seats at Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona Finalizes Iñigo Martínez’s Contract Extension
Contract extensions were granted to players such as Gerard Martín, Araujo, Gavi, Pedri, and Cubarsi. Then, when it came time for Iñigo Martínez to get an extension for the upcoming season, the question of financial fair play emerged once more. At the conclusion of the current season, the Spanish veteran’s contract in Catalonia will expire. However, his contract contained a provision that, had he played 60% of the games this season, would have allowed Barcelona to automatically extend his contract for an additional year.
Hansi Flick and the Barcelona administration were certain that, after Inigo Martinez’s outstanding achievements this season, they should activate this option. The team had to wait to announce the renewal, though, because La Liga had not given its approval. Barcelona, however, now has the complete authority to administer the contract.
Barcelona’s finances increased enough as a result of Roque’s departure to allow them to sign Inigo Martinez to the new contract. This is a huge plus for the player, who has displayed excellent form and steadiness at the center of Flick’s high defensive line, as well as for Barça.
