Barcelona to part ways with player they signed last season, Hansi Flick keen on reintegrating on-loan player into squad instead - Reports
Barcelona are interested in selling center-back Inigo Martinez this summer on the instruction of manager Hansi Flick, who has his eyes on another defender. The Spanish giants are struggling to register players and are faced with financial troubles, leading them to look to sell some players.
La Blaugrana have appointed German tactician Flick as a replacement for club legend Xavi, with the former Bayern Munich boss tasked with returning them to glory. Flick will look to strengthen his squad despite the financial constraints, leading him to look inwards for solutions.
Barcelona signed Spanish defender Inigo Martinez for free last summer, but the experienced defender failed to stamp his authority in the first team. Marca now reports that the club are interested in selling the 33-year-old, whose contract with the club is due to expire in 2025.
The report claims that Hansi Flick wants to re-integrate former Manchester City man Eric Garcia into his squad for next season. Garcia spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Girona, where he helped them finish third and reach the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Garcia made 33 appearances for Girona during his loan season, 32 of which came in La Liga. The 23-year-old scored five goals for the Catalan club as he featured regularly, having been considered surplus to requirement by Xavi.
Inigo Martinez appeared 25 times across all competitions for Barcelona last season, often finding himself behind the likes of Andreas Christensen and even 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi. The former Athletic Club man failed to impress for the club and has an uncertain future, as a result.
Flick is said to be a fan of Garcia's versatility, seeing as he is able to play as a pivot in midfield. The Spanish defender may yet play a big part in the Barcelona squad for 2024-25.
Barcelona set for transfer U-turn, to keep teenage star at club - Reports
Barcelona are prepared to make a major U-turn and keep youngster Mikayil Faye at the club in the 2024-25 season. Senegal international Faye has been on the radars of multiple sides after impressing with Barcelona Athletic, even though he is yet to make his senior team debut.
The 19-year-old defender was on the radar of French club OGC Nice last winter before negotiations took place with FC Porto over a move this summer. The Portuguese giants were reportedly prepared to pay €15 million for the teenager, but Mundo Deportivo reports that talks have been ended between the sides.
La Blaugrana intend to have Faye in pre-season, allowing new manager Flick to get a good look at him. The youngster's versatility is seen as key, especially in the wake of the losses of Marcos Alonso and Joao Cancelo at left-back. Faye can play at center-back or left-back, and will provide cover for Alejandro Balde.