Very active since the start of the transfer window, Barça does not seem to want to slow down. After strengthening in front with the arrivals of Lewandowski and Raphinha, in the middle with Kessié as well as behind with Jules Koundé and Christensen, Xavi wants to further strengthen his rear guard in the corridors by recruiting a side on each side. However, Sport today reveal that the Catalans have made a €15m offer to Athletic Bilbao to secure the services of Íñigo Martínez.
A 6th central defender in the workforce?
A surprising info, because the Spanish international (16 caps, 31 years old) is a central defender who was mentioned to come free next season or bought this year in the event of failure of the Koundé file. But the French being ultimately a Blaugrana, Xavi currently has 5 central backs (Araujo, Koundé, Piqué, Christensen, Garcia) for a priori 2 places, not to mention De Jong who was used frequently in this position during the American tour. The choice to recruit a sixth element to this position raises questions. Perhaps the club’s legendary former midfielder intends to move to 3 behind, which would be surprising given the pre-season that his team only played in 4 – 3 – 3, or another explanation, perhaps more rational: seeing the With the arrival of his longtime priority Azpilicueta to move away, the Catalan technician would see Koundé or Araujo as a viable option at right-back.
to summarize
Yet well off in central defense, Barça would have made an offer for a Spanish international defender. Sport today reveal that the Catalans have offered Athletic Bilbao €15m to secure the services of Íñigo Martínez.
