Barcelona goalkeeper Andre Ter Stegen has refused to provide La Liga with his medical information, leaving the Catalans in a quandary over the German star’s injury. The dispute has sparked a civil war between Ter Stegen and Barca. Hansi Flick’s side have now stripped the veteran goalkeeper of the captaincy and handed it to Ronald Araujo.
On the other hand, Barca centerback Inigo Martinez has quietly joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al Nasr, according to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. He gave this information in a post on his X (former Twitter) account. According to him, Inigo Martinez has left Barca to join Al Nasr as a free agent. As a result, he has no transfer fee.
Meanwhile, ESPN says that Barcelona’s negotiations with them regarding Inigo’s joining Al Nasr have reached a high level. Although his contract with the Catalan club expires in June 2026. At the moment, Barca wants to simplify it and release him as a free agent. The 34-year-old defender was offered an attractive sum from the Saudi Pro League last summer, according to a source in the media. But at that time, Barca’s sporting director Deco convinced him not to leave.
In another tweet, Romano said that Inigo could sign a contract with Al Nasr until 2026. There will also be an option to extend the contract by one year. Meanwhile, the Spanish centerback’s departure is a bit of a setback for Barca and coach Hansi Flick. Flick used to keep him in the starting eleven almost regularly along with Pau Kuberci. Earlier, Inigo joined the Catalan club from Athletic Club as a free agent in the summer of 2023. Despite spending his first season injured, he played 46 matches in the last season. However, Barca will be able to use 60 percent of Inigo’s salary to bring someone new to the team.
Flick has options at centre-back with Araujo, Erik Garcia and Andres Christensen (who was out last season due to injury). The club also needs a positive solution to the civil war with the goalkeeper. According to La Liga rules, a player must be out for at least four months to be considered long-term absent. Ter Stegen, who has played more than 400 games for Barcelona, recently wrote on social media that he only needs to be out for three months.
For that reason and despite serving Barca for a long time, Ter Stegen is unable to accept such behavior from the authorities. Once again, Barca has few options. The German goalkeeper is one of their highest-paid players. If Stegen is shown absent, 80 percent of his annual salary will be deducted from the calculation and someone else will be able to register in the La Liga squad. Barcelona will be able to register goalkeeper Garcia and Marcus Rashford, who was brought on loan from Manchester United, in accordance with the league’s salary cap rules. And since Sezni’s salary is low, the hassle of registering him is a little less!
FAQ
Who is Inigo Martinez?
Inigo Martinez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. He previously played for Barcelona and Athletic Club.
When did Inigo Martinez join Al Nassr?
He joined Al Nassr in August 2025 after leaving Barcelona on a free transfer.
Why did Inigo Martinez leave Barcelona?
Although his contract ran until June 2026, Barcelona decided to release him as a free agent to simplify transfer matters.
How long is his contract with Al Nassr?
Martinez is expected to sign a deal until 2026, with an option to extend for one more year.
