Barcelona target Inigo Martinez has confirmed he has left Athletic Bilbao and will become the Catalan giants’ first signing of the summer.
In an official statement posted on his Social Media platforms, the 32-year-old announced he will be leaving the club six years after joining from Basque country rivals Real Sociedad.
Barcelona snap up Spanish international defender on free transfer
According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the agreement was already agreed back in March and will be announced by the Catalans very soon following Sunday’s conclusion of the 2022-23 La Liga season.
Iñigo Martinez has just confirmed that he’s set to leave Athletic Club — he will be announced as Barça first signing, it’s done since March. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
Martinez signed official documents in May, his contract will be valid until June 2025. pic.twitter.com/yJhDsmTSqY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023
Martinez will sign a two-year deal for Xavi Hernandez’s men until 2025 and will compete for his place alongside fellow Spanish defender Eric Garcia, Dane Andres Christiensen, Jules Kounde, and potential new club captain Ronald Araujo, who has enjoyed an outstanding season in Catalonia.
So far in his career, Martinez has made 20 appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring once back in 2013.