Iñigo Martínez has been on Barcelona’s radar since last summer.
Yesterday Gerard Piqué announced his retirement from professional football. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 35-year-old told Barcelona’s coaching staff his desire to hang up his boots a couple of days beforehand, but they only learned that he would make the announcement a few hours before it was released on social media.
Piqué’s current deal with the Blaugrana is said to be worth €80m, however, it is believed that the player’s decision to retire will save the club €50m.
The departure of the former Spanish international will help Barcelona continue reducing their wage bill, opening the door to sign reinforcements.
With Piqué’s retirement, Barcelona could make a move for Iñigo Martínez, who already has a verbal agreement with the Catalan side and is showing no interest in renewing his contract that is expiring in June 2023 with Athletic Bilbao.
GSFN | Tom Cserép
