On Thursday evening, Gerard Pique, FC Barcelona player, announced his retirement at the age of 35.
The Catalan defender turned down a significant fee to terminate his contract immediately and Barcelona will have to compensate for his loss this summer or even this winter after the World Cup in Qatar.
Inigo Martinez, the first option offered by Xavi Hernandez
Barcelona are not having as exceptional a season as they were in their glory days and the Spanish runners-up will be playing in the UEFA Spring Europa League for the second season in a row after finishing 3rd in their Champions League group which also included Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Victoria Pilsen
However, they need more options at centre-back and Inigo Martinez looks the best option for the Blaugranas formation.
At the age of 31, the defender has made 350 appearances in the first tier of Spanish football and has a contract with Athletic Bilbao until the summer of 2023.
The Basque has had some knee problems this season, but Barcelona will not rule out a move this winter if Bilbao demand the right price.
The player, who made his debut for Furia Roja in August 2013, is valued at €20 million according to Transfermarkt, but according to international media, Barcelona will make a maximum offer of €10 million for Inigo Martinez, who will remain free of contract next summer.
In his career, Inigo Martínez has won the Spanish Super Cup with his current team and the European Championship with the Iberian Under-21 team.
Barcelona’s current center back line-up includes Ronald Araujo (injured), Jules Cunde (injured), Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia.
Source: Hot News RO
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