Official: Barça confirm their second recruit of the mercato
After Ilkay Gündogan, Barça have made their second signing of the mercato official, in the person of Iñigo Martinez, Spanish central defender from Athletic Bilbao.
On the verge of losing the battle for Arda Güler, who has reportedly opted to join Real Madrid according to several concordant sources, Barça have made their second summer signing official after Ilkay Gündogan. And like the German from Manchester City, it's a free agent: Iñigo Martinez (32).
𝗜𝗡̃𝗜𝗚𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗭 𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗥 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/m1UzYpBub5
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 5, 2023
A left-footed central defender and 20-time Spanish international, Iñigo Martinez had been with Athletic Bilbao for five years, having previously played for Real Sociedad. The Basque has signed a two-year contract with Barça, running until June 2025, with a release clause set at 400 million euros.
He will give Xavi the famous left-footed central defender he has been looking for to bolster his central defense. Samuel Umtiti has been released from his contract, while Clément Lenglet, another left-back, is not in the Barcelona coach's plans.
Barça complete the transfer of Vitor Roque
After signing Gündogan and Iñigo Martinez, Barça are now hoping to complete the transfer of promising Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. According to a number of corroborating sources, the Catalan club, Athletico Paranaense and the 18-year-old have reached full agreement on a transfer worth €35m (€10m bonus).
Vitor Roque to Barcelona, here we go! Brazilian gem born in 2005 will play for Barça. 🚨🔵🔴🇧🇷 FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023
Understand documents are also done! Agreement fixed as Barça and Athletico Paranaense are checking all contracts.
❗️ Current plan is for Vitor to join Barça in January 2024. pic.twitter.com/yhH8gaBP5H
The Brazilian striker is set to sign until 2029, with a release clause set at €1 billion. The question is whether he will join Barcelona this summer or next winter.