Iñigo Martínez, 34-year-old Spanish international center-back, has left Barcelona after activating a special release clause to join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as a free agent.
Iñigo Martínez’s transfer to Al Nassr marks another high-profile European player making the switch to the Saudi Pro League, a trend that has gathered momentum over the past two seasons as clubs in the Gulf state continue to attract top names with lucrative contracts and ambitious sporting projects.
For Martínez, this move represents not only a fresh challenge at the age of 34 but also a chance to step into a leadership role at a club that is determined to become the dominant force in Asian football.
His arrival comes directly as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte, who left a significant gap in Al Nassr’s backline after his own move away. Martínez’s experience in LaLiga, having spent more than a decade at the highest level with Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, and Barcelona, makes him an ideal candidate to fill that void. Known for his strong aerial presence, calmness under pressure, and ability to play out from the back, the Spanish international brings qualities that will complement the team’s attacking firepower led by Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially Otávio if the Portuguese midfielder remains at the club.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this transfer is how it came about. According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Martínez made use of a special clause in his Barcelona contract that allowed him to terminate the deal after two seasons. This clause was not widely publicized at the time of his signing but appears to have been a strategic move, giving both player and club flexibility in the event of a mutually beneficial exit.
The timing also suited Barcelona’s ongoing financial management efforts. Spanish media have suggested that the Catalan club was keen to reduce its wage bill to create room for registering new players with LaLiga. The league’s strict financial controls have repeatedly hampered Barça’s squad planning in recent seasons, with last year’s registration delays including the case of Dani Olmo following his transfer from RB Leipzig serving as a notable example. By freeing Martínez’s salary, Barcelona gains greater maneuverability in the market, potentially allowing them to finalize other pending deals before the window closes.
For Martínez, the move to Al Nassr also signifies a major milestone in his career his first venture outside of Spain. Having built his reputation in the Basque Country, first with Real Sociedad and later with Athletic Bilbao, before moving to Barcelona, the defender has faced some of the world’s best forwards week in, week out in LaLiga. In the 2023/24 season, he was a key figure for Barça, making 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, and registering five assists. His contributions helped the team secure the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and the LaLiga title an achievement that cemented his legacy at the club despite his relatively short stay.
In Saudi Arabia, Martínez will be part of a growing movement that has seen stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, and Laporte himself take their talents to the Middle East. Under Jorge Jesus, Al Nassr has adopted an aggressive recruitment strategy aimed at blending experienced European stars with talented local players. The club is not just looking to dominate domestically but also to make a mark in the AFC Champions League, where tactical discipline and defensive solidity will be just as crucial as attacking flair.
Martínez’s role in the team is expected to go beyond just his performances on the pitch. His wealth of experience in elite competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and international tournaments with Spain, will be invaluable in mentoring younger defenders and setting high professional standards in the dressing room. Given Al Nassr’s ambitions and the intense spotlight on the Saudi Pro League, this leadership aspect could prove as important as his defensive skills.
From a broader perspective, this signing underscores the Saudi Pro League’s continued push to become a destination for top-tier footballers in the twilight of their European careers not just as a retirement option, but as a competitive and financially rewarding environment. With Cristiano Ronaldo already acting as the league’s most marketable face, adding a respected and proven defender like Martínez further boosts the competition’s credibility.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Martínez adapts to a very different footballing culture. The pace, climate, and tactical demands in Saudi Arabia will present new challenges, but his adaptability and professionalism suggest he is more than capable of making a smooth transition. If he settles in quickly, his partnership with the rest of Al Nassr’s defensive unit could be one of the key factors in determining whether Jorge Jesus can deliver the titles the club’s fans are craving.
