Barcelona’s senior team for the 2022–23 season will consist of four natural center-backs following the news of Gerard Pique’s retirement.
Jules Kunde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia, the group’s other members, are all dealing with injuries this year. Pique and Marcos Alonso, in an unexpected twist, have been Barcelona’s only center-backs who have been healthy throughout this season.
In order to strengthen their backline, Barça may need to make moves during the winter transfer window. Inigo Martinez of Athletic Club has been on their shortlist for a long, to say the least.
The Spanish defender has a contract with Bilbao until 2023; however, Toni Juanmarti believes that Bilbao is not unwilling to allow the defender to leave in January.
The reporter claims that Athletic is having financial difficulties this year and may be willing to sell Inigo in January.
Since an extension has not yet been agreed upon by the two parties, it is anticipated that the player will depart the team on a free transfer as soon as his contract expires.
Athletic may decide to allow Inigo to leave in order to generate revenue from player sales in order to prevent that.
Barcelona is particularly interested in signing the 31-year-old due to his extensive league experience. Since making his La Liga debut in 2011 with Real Sociedad, he has been a regular for Athletic Club since moving there in 2018.
Inigo was unquestionably among the league’s top center-backs last season, and Xavi and company are certain that he can successfully fill Pique’s shoes.
