LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Inigo Martinez, a former defender for Athletic Club, joins Barcelona as the club’s second acquisition following Ilkay Gundogan.
The Spanish centre defender signed a two-year contract with the Catalan club that included a €400 million release clause and will keep him at Camp Nou until June 30, 2025.
The 32-year-old was a longtime target for Barcelona, and in the previous summer, he was even taken into consideration as a possible replacement for Jules Kounde.
He has almost 350 La Liga appearances with Athletic and 22 goals to his credit. He is a seasoned player.
READ ALSO: Ilkay Gundogan Joins Barcelona After Leading Man City To Unprecedented Treble
After striking a verbal deal with Barcelona in April, Martinez signed on the dotted line for the La Liga winners after his contract with Athletic expired in June.
Previously, he had finished his medical last month and was seen on Tuesday taking photos for his unveiling at the club’s training grounds.
Ilkay Gundogan, a triple-champion from Manchester City who was also a free agent, and Martinez were the first two players Barcelona signed.
Prior to leaving for the club’s USA tour, where it will take on teams like Juventus, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, both players will be ready for preseason practice in July.
