Official: Iñigo Martínez joins Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr
© X/Al Nassr
F ollowing the signing of João Félix, Al Nassr announced, in the early hours of this Sunday, the arrival of Iñigo Martínez, who hours earlier had terminated his contract with Barcelona.
The 34-year-old Spanish defender is moving to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer to strengthen the defensive sector of the team managed by Jorge Jesus and captained by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Iñigo Martínez needs no introduction, but it's worth remembering that he's been at Barcelona for the past two seasons, with the most time on the clock during the last one, with Hansi Flick in charge of the Blaugrana side.
The Spanish international, who also played for Basque club Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, will thus have his first international experience, moving to Saudi Arabia already in a downward phase of his career. Furthermore, the contract signed with Al Nassr is only valid for one year . In other words, Iñigo Martínez is expected to remain in Riyadh only until June 2026.
Boss in sight?
The experienced Spanish player should be a clear choice for Jorge Jesus when it comes to setting up the defense that he will present in the first official game, scheduled for the 19th of this month of August, in the semi-finals of the Saudi Arabian Super Cup.
I ñigo Martínez has the desired profile to take over as Al Nassr's defensive boss in 2025/26, especially because Jorge Jesus' determination to have a well-rounded team defensively is well known.
A special passenger on the flight Welcome Iñigo ️
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 9, 2025
Barcelona saves millions
Despite leaving for Al Nassr on a free transfer, Barcelona will save money with the departure of Iñigo Martínez. The 34-year-old defender had one more year on his contract, which would have cost €12 million in salary , according to the Spanish press. It remains to be seen how much he will now earn at Al Nassr.
The Blaugrana club, however, did not fail to thank the Spanish player born in Ondarroa for his contribution.
"We want to thank you for your professionalism, effort, dedication and commitment throughout the two seasons you played for the Azulgrana jersey," read Barcelona's statement, issued on Saturday afternoon.
It should be noted that Iñigo Martínez has played 71 official games for Barcelona in all competitions, starting 61 of them.
Al Nassr has reportedly already opened negotiations with Bayern Munich with a view to acquiring Kingsley Coman, who is not considered essential for Vincent Kompany, with a view to 2025/26.
Carlos Pereira Fernandes | 1:37 PM - 08/08/2025Al Hilal announces former Benfica player
Al Hilal is also determined to attack the new season with renewed weapons and confirmed on Saturday the signing of a heavyweight forward. Darwin Núñez, a former Benfica player now at Liverpool, is Simeone Inzaghi's new reinforcement and promises to contribute goals in the title race.
Al Nassr's rival club did not reveal the amount involved in signing the Uruguayan international from Liverpool, but according to the international press, the 26-year-old forward cost around €53 million plus bonuses.
Read Also: Official: Former Benfica player will be Cristiano Ronaldo's rival in Saudi Arabia
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