Select theme:

Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

  • Home
  • Football
  • Barcelona line up Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez as Gerard Pique’s transfer replacement after defender retires

Barcelona line up Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez as Gerard Pique’s transfer replacement after defender retires

Published on November 06, 2022 at 12:01 AM

BARCELONA are lining up a transfer for Inigo Martinez in order to replace Gerard Pique, according to reports.

Pique announced he would be leaving Barcelona and retiring from football in a heartfelt video posted to social media earlier this week.

Inigo Martinez has been identified as the replacement for Gerard PiqueAthletic Bilbao defender Martinez is the man they want to replace their outgoing legend.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that a verbal agreement has already been agreed between Barca and the 31-year-old to join next summer.

However, Pique’s retirement will accelerate these plans, with the Blaugrana looking to acquire Martinez on the cheap in winter instead.

On top of his early exit, Pique has agreed to waive the remainder of his contract and instead only collect what he was owed in deferred payment.

This gesture is set to save the struggling club a whopping £44million.

Martinez’s Bilbao contract runs out in the summer of 2023, and Bilbao would likely welcome the opportunity to raise some funds if Martinez has no intention of signing a new deal.

The Spaniard joined the Basque club from Real Sociedad in 2018.

Bilbao famously employ an exclusive regional recruitment policy.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

This means that only players who were born in the Basque region of Spain or who learnt their skills at a Basque club may represent them.

Antoine Griezmann is one such player who fell into the latter category after being developed by neighbours Real Sociedad.

  • Share:
Flying Eze

Flying Eze

Sidemen star Tobi Brown and brothers in line for professional football debuts after impressing Crawley Town
Prev Article

Sidemen star Tobi Brown and brothers in line for professional football debuts after impressing Crawley Town

Next Article

Horse racing tips: In-form Harry Cobden and Paul Nicholls can team up to land Templegate’s big NAP on Sunday

Horse racing tips: In-form Harry Cobden and Paul Nicholls can team up to land Templegate’s big NAP on Sunday

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *