SM
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: 4 hrs 13 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data

Inigo Martinez 'will be Gerard Pique's replacement at Barcelona'

:Headline: Inigo Martinez 'will be Gerard Pique's replacement at Barcelona':
Barcelona will sign Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez as Gerard Pique's replacement, according to a report.
Sports Mole

Barcelona are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Athletic Bilbao's Inigo Martinez, with the centre-back identified as the club's number one target to replace Gerard Pique.

On Thursday evening, Pique announced that he would be leaving Barcelona and retiring from professional football following Saturday's contest with Almeria.

The 35-year-old had a contract at Camp Nou until June 2024, while he has made nine appearances for Xavi's side this term, but he will be departing the club over the weekend.

According to Sport, Pique's replacement has already been identified, with Martinez set to arrive at the club next year, most likely on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that a January move for the Spain international has not been ruled out, but that is only likely to happen if the team suffer more defensive injuries.

Barcelona have allegedly been speaking to Martinez for 'several months', and they considered moving for him over the summer, but Athletic ultimately priced him out of a switch.

The 31-year-old will soon enter the final six months of his contract at San Mames and reportedly has no intention of signing and extension with the Basque outfit.

Martinez missed the start of the campaign with a knee problem but has been a key player since his return, featuring on eight occasions in La Liga.

The Spain international came through the youth system at Real Sociedad, initially turning out for their B side before making his first-team debut in 2011, and he ultimately represented them on 239 occasions before moving to Athletic in 2018.

Martinez has now made 167 appearances for the Lions, scoring seven goals and contributing seven assists, but he appears to be coming to the end of his time at the club.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona boss Xavi is a huge admirer of the defender's 'experience and character', viewing him as the ideal player to boost the squad for next season.

Martinez has also made 350 appearances in La Liga during his time at Real Sociedad and Athletic, while he has been capped on 19 occasions by Spain.

The centre-back has limited experience in terms of European football, though, only featuring on seven occasions in the Champions League and making just seven appearances in the Europa League.

Barcelona have had big defensive problems this season, with Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde all spending times on the sidelines through injury.

However, Christensen, Kounde and Garcia are all believed to be in with a chance of being in the squad against Almeria in La Liga on Saturday.

body check tags ::

amp_article__498858 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2022-11-04 14:11:09:
html db last update - 2022-11-04 14:11:09 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html

Click here for more stories about Andreas Christensen

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
AB
Read Next:
Barcelona 'could move for Inigo Martinez in January'
>


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Andreas Christensen Jules Kounde Inigo Martinez Gerard Pique Ronald Araujo Xavi Eric Garcia Football
Follow @SportsMole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
Recommended Next on SM
Barcelona 'could move for Inigo Martinez in January'
Guardiola releases statement clarifying 'self-harm' comment after Feyenoord draw
Eyes closed: Sheeran apologises for interrupting Amorim Sky interview
Barcelona 'work out plan to beat Man United' to goal machine Gyokeres

Page options

Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Kovacic injury blow confirmed: How long will Man City midfielder be out for?

1

KI

Arsenal suffer new injury blow in Sporting victory

2

AS

Is Rashford the answer? Amorim addresses Man United's goalscoring issues

3

IR

"He is ready" - Amorim reveals centre-back boost for Man United

4

&I

Wednesday's Champions League predictions including Liverpool vs. Real Madrid

5

WC

Advantage Botafogo! Estevao powerless as Palmeiras lose top-of-the-table clash

6

AB

Defensive duo to miss out: Arsenal injury, suspension list for West Ham clash

7

DD

Wednesday's Championship predictions including Leeds vs. Luton

8

WC

Third time lucky? Pogba 'keen on Man United return' to play under Amorim

9

TT

On Amorim's radar: Man United wonderkid 'to sign professional contract'

10

OA


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .