Struggling to Replicate Last Season’s Success
Barcelona is grappling with a significant challenge this season, struggling to match the form that propelled them to success in the previous campaign. Despite maintaining a relatively stable team, the departure of Basque defender Inigo Martinez has left a void that Hansi Flick has found difficult to fill. Martinez’s exit was met with dissatisfaction, and Flick has experimented with various defensive combinations, including Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia alongside Pau Cubarsi. Even moving Cubarsi to the left side and using left-back Gerard Martin in central defense has not fully alleviated the vulnerabilities at the back. While the latest experiment has shown some improvement over the last three games, Barcelona’s defense remains a point of concern.
The Quest for a Reliable Central Defender
As the season progresses, it is becoming increasingly evident that Barcelona needs a more reliable and experienced central defender. Reports suggest that the club will look to address this issue by signing a left-sided defender to partner Cubarsi in the summer of 2026. The search for this player is crucial, as the team’s defensive struggles have had a ripple effect on their overall performance. The club’s defense has been a critical weak point, and the need for a stabilizing presence is more urgent than ever.
Inigo Martinez: A Possible Return
The possibility of Inigo Martinez’s return to Barcelona has emerged as a potential solution. According to Joan Fontes, Martinez is very keen on making a comeback to the club he once called home. This interest has been further corroborated by Albert Lesan on 8TV’s Rondeando, who stated that it is “not impossible” for Martinez to rejoin Barcelona in the January transfer window. Martinez’s return would be a significant boost to the team’s defense, given his experience and familiarity with the club’s playing style.
Negotiating Martinez’s Exit from Al-Nassr
However, the path to Martinez’s return is not without obstacles. The former Athletic Club defender signed a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in the summer, leaving Barcelona on a free transfer. Whether Al-Nassr would be willing to let him go remains uncertain. Martinez’s departure from Barcelona was instrumental in the club’s efforts to register summer signings like Marcus Rashford, Joan Garcia, and Roony Bardghji. Negotiating his exit from Al-Nassr would be a complex process, but the potential benefits for Barcelona make it a viable option worth exploring.
Salary Limit Constraints
Another significant hurdle is Barcelona’s salary limit situation. The club remains over its salary cap, a constraint that has limited their ability to make significant signings. Martinez’s departure was a crucial move in helping the club manage its financial obligations. Bringing him back, even on a free transfer, would require careful financial planning. The club’s ability to navigate this challenge will be a key factor in determining the feasibility of Martinez’s return.
Flick’s Faith and the Need for Stability
As the season unfolds, Flick appears to be losing faith in the defensive options currently available to him. The experimental nature of his defensive lineup reflects a lack of confidence in the current players to consistently perform at the required level. Martinez’s return would offer a level of stability and experience that the team desperately needs. In a league where defensive solidity is paramount, having a proven player like Martinez could be the difference between a successful season and a disappointing one. The club will need to act decisively to ensure they can bring him back and shore up their defense.
