El Mundo Deportivo reported a couple of days ago that Barça might be interested in Iñigo Martinez, a left centre back playing for Real Sociedad. The report, which can be read here, says that the player has received a good amount of interest from Barça’s coaching staff lately. Apparently he is being ‘followed’ over three years now. One of Barça’s scouts has watched him live a couple of times this season. His buyout clause is approximately 30 million.
The sports journal says that Barça are looking for options as Puyol ends his contract in 2013, and Fontàs might be on loan next season. Martínez is just 20 years old and has been noticeable this year thanks to two fantastic goals, against Athletic and Betis, that he scored from the center of the field.Apparently, Martínez has been spied by Barça scouts since last season, when he was playing for Real Sociedad’s youth divisions. The journal also says that the reports on him are excellent and that his signing has been recommended, but the club has not made a move yet since there are a lot of central defenders in Barça’s own youth teams (Fontàs, Bartra, Muniesa, Sergi Gómez). MD also points out that Asier Illarramendi, a young midfielder, also from Real Sociedad, might be on the schedule, but his position is more than covered both in Barça first team and the B team.
Iñigo Martinez stands out thanks to his anticipation, good heading, passing skills and his scoring abilities, mostly from free kicks or corners. His best quality seems to be his capability of playing in different positions, something that is always appreciated in a player by Pep Guardiola and his staff. Like Abidal, Martínez can play as central defender or left back. Despite having always played in a 4-player defense, Barça’s coaches think he could easily adapt to a 3-player defense.
Apparently, the Barça scouts think he might be a player for the future, not for now. However, interest from other teams like Real Madrid (of course), might make Barça to hasten their decision. There might be news on a possible offer from Barça after Christmas.
