The serious mistake Barcelona made in the summer

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25/11/25 21:00:00

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Íñigo Martínez left Barcelona last summer to sign with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, a move that surprised fans and now results in an evident defensive deficit for the Blaugrana club.

Martínez, 34, played 46 matches in the 24-25 season with Barcelona and established himself as a key player under the guidance of Hansi Flick, both for his performance and leadership.

Despite Martínez's clear contribution, Barcelona decided to let him go once his contract expired, allowing him to move to Al Nassr. This decision leaves the Catalan club needing to fill a difficult void.

How Íñigo Martínez Cemented His Status at Barcelona

At Barcelona, Martínez stood out for his positional instinct, strength in one-on-one situations, and ability to take on important defensive responsibilities.

Rafa Alkorta, a former club executive, described the Basque center-back as "indisputable" and a reference both on the field and in the Blaugrana locker room.

During the season that ended with a treble for Barcelona, Martínez formed a solid partnership with Pau Cubarsí and provided experience that balanced a young system.

The Impact of His Departure: Barcelona Leaves Behind a Weakened Defense

Martínez's departure has exposed Barcelona's deficiencies in the central axis. In the early matches of the 25-26 season, the team has conceded more goal-scoring opportunities than in the same period of the previous season.

The absence of the veteran center-back results in a less cohesive defensive line with less tactical authority. Users on social media are already warning that the team is "not the same without him."

Barcelona has chosen not to immediately sign a new center-back but instead relies on internal alternatives like Cubarsí, Araújo, or Eric García. However, their lack of experience is becoming evident.

Why Did Al Nassr Secure Íñigo Martínez?

Al Nassr secured Martínez's signing after his contract with Barcelona ended, taking advantage of the free-agent clause. For the Basque center-back, it was an economic and sporting gamble that few expected.

For Martínez, the move to Saudi Arabia represents a new challenge outside the European elite, although Barcelona still values his legacy as one of their major defensive reinforcements in the recent period.

The fact that Barcelona conceded without securing an immediate replacement hints at a defensive planning mistake that Hansi Flick and his staff must rectify promptly.

A Final Thought on Íñigo Martínez's Departure

Íñigo Martínez's departure to Al Nassr remains a decision weighing heavily on Barcelona. His performance, experience, and leadership were pillars that the team now misses.

Time will tell if Flick manages to rebuild the defense without him or if the Basque center-back's departure becomes one of the club's major strategic errors.

Ultimately, Íñigo Martínez may have left, but his legacy continues to resonate in every defensive mistake by Barcelona. The team must act urgently to fill the void he left or risk exacerbating deficiencies in an increasingly demanding market.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El grave error que cometió el Barcelona en verano