Latest news with #InigoMartinez
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Flick Chooses Which Defender To Sell
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and his staff have decided which of the club's many central ... More defenders it should try and sell this summer according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources. FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and his staff have decided which of the club's many central defenders it should try and sell this summer according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources. The German currently has an 'overbooking' of centre backs in his recently domestic treble-winning squad. For much of 2024/2025, and most likely moving forward, Flick's first choices were Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. This was mostly prompted by Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo out being injured, and a lack of a natural right back other than La Masia graduate Hector Fort meant that Jules Kounde played in the position. Together, Cubarsi and Martinez became one of Europe's best central defensive partnerships, making it difficult for Araujo to find his way into the first XI when he finally returned from the knock picked up in the Copa America during Uruguay's Copa America quarterfinal win against Raphinha's Brazil. Towards the end of the season, Araujo was criticized for perceived blunders against Inter Milan in a Champions League semi-final second leg defeat at the San Siro, while some thought that Christensen was the steadier option off the bench or when Flick's regulars need a rest if not unavailable. Moving forward, Barca needs to sell a center back and plans to keep four of them according to Mundo Deportivo. Counting Kounde as a full back, the three certs are Cubarsi, Martinez and Eric Garcia, with the latter making the list because of his versatility across the backline and as a defensive midfielder. That means that it comes down to a decision between Araujo and Christensen, and the same paper writes that Flick and his staff have opted for the South American. Because the Dane arrived at Camp Nou on a free from Chelsea in 2022, Christensen's potential sale is more attractive from a financial perspective because it would present pure profit for the Catalans. As his contract only runs until June 30, 2026, however, Barca would have to act swiftly in demanding a fee for the 29-year-old. FC Barcelona might not have a say in Araujo staying Even though Flick wants Araujo, FC Barcelona might be powerless in having Araujo stay if someone triggers his release clause. For the first 10 days of July, it'll drop to a relatively cheap $74.7 million (€65 million) before increasing again to a usual value past $1 billion.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona eyeing Bosman move for Liverpool, Bayern Munich target in 2026
Barcelona have added significant strength to their defensive unit by bringing in Joan Garcia from Espanyol. However, the club are actively working on further reinforcing their ranks in defence, with the board ideally working on players who can come for free. Advertisement That is perhaps why Barcelona have already started thinking about their options in 2026, when many players are expected to become free agents. Barcelona eye move for Marc Guehi According to Fichajes, one of the free agents Barcelona are targeting in 2026 is none other than Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace centre-back has become a regular for the English national team and is on Barça's radar as a long-term strategic option. Barcelona want to sign Marc Guehi for free in 2026 (Photo by) His contract situation is key; should he not renew with the Premier League club, he would be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2026, effectively making him an ideal signing for the Blaugrana. Advertisement At 24, Guehi fits the profile of a young defender with international experience and significant room for growth. From a sporting perspective, Guehi would be an ideal defensive partner for someone like Pau Cubarsi. He may even emerge as a perfect long-term replacement for Inigo Martinez. Guehi's solidity, tactical intelligence, and comfort in playing the ball out from the back have attracted attention from several of Europe's top clubs, including Liverpool, Newcastle, and Bayern Munich. Crystal Palace's high valuation for a direct Premier League rival this summer makes an immediate transfer difficult. This provides an opening for a club like Barcelona to play the long game, monitoring his situation closely with the intention of securing him on a Bosman deal.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Official: Barcelona squad list to face Villarreal
Barcelona have officially released their squad list for the final home fixture of the 2024/25 La Liga season against Villarreal. This match will not only mark the closing chapter of another successful league campaign under Hansi Flick but will also be an emotional farewell to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, which has served as Barça's temporary home for the past two seasons. Advertisement As the club looks forward to moving back into the Spotify Camp Nou next season, at least partially, depending on the progress of ongoing renovations, there is a sentimental weight attached to this encounter at Montjuic. The stadium has grown into a fitting, if temporary, fortress for the Catalans. Flick's side have played 18 home games this La Liga season, winning 14, drawing once, and losing just three times. Beyond the results, the club has also reconnected with its supporters during their stay at Montjuic. The rise in average match attendance this season reflects a renewed enthusiasm and emotional bond between the fans and the team. Advertisement Meanwhile, Manager Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad for this fixture, with the La Liga title already secured. The most notable return is that of Inigo Martinez, who is back in the squad after serving a suspension in the derby against Espanyol. His presence in the starting XI seems likely given Ronald Araujo's ongoing absence due to injury. Also included is young defender Sergi Dominguez, and fans could catch a glimpse of the academy product in action if Flick follows through with his plan to rotate and give opportunities to emerging talent. These changes, combined with the backdrop of a celebratory home send-off, suggest that this match will be as much about emotion and appreciation as it is about the football itself.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Barcelona star suffers heavy FALL on party bus roof during LaLiga title celebrations - and takes a Man City target down with him!
A Barcelona star took a tumble on the roof of the club's party bus during their LaLiga title trophy parade on Friday night. Inigo Martinez slipped from a ledge and managed to drag Manchester City target Dani Olmo with him. Barca celebrated reclaiming the title from Real Madrid in front of 670,000 fans during their festivities in the city streets on Friday. It is not yet clear if the pair were hurt but fortunately they fell back into the interior of the bus as opposed to off the edge. Martinez, 34, has since posted a joyful recount of the day on Instagram in a series of photos and videos, with no mention of his accident. The defender was shirtless and had been waving his scarf around like a showman moments before he lost his footing as he tried to descend from the platform. Cae la noche en la Ciudad Condal y siiiiigue la fiesta barcelonista — MARCA (@marca) May 16, 2025 Inigo Martinez lost his feeling as the bus took off and he slipped off a ledge into the interior Barca confirmed their league title, and indeed a domestic treble, at the home of their city rivals Espanyol on Thursday with a 2-0 win. Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez were on the scoresheet at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat as they reached an unassailable lead over Madrid. Oddly, La Blaugrana have actually had the title confirmed at Espanyol's ground more times this century than they have had at their own. It capped off a stellar first season in the dugout for Hansi Flick, who has also brought home the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. His men were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals in that breathless 7-6 tie by Inter Milan, but they'll have plenty of confidence for the future. Flick once won six trophies in a nine-month period at Bayern Munich, including the Champions League. In fact, he only managed 86 games with the German giants but still lifted seven trophies, so if there's one thing he's used to, it's winning. Barcelona are good value for their success this campaign, having scored 97 in the league and 167 in 58 games in all competitions. This season has been marked by the true breakout of Lamine Yamal, who became a regular last season but has excelled this time around. The 17-year-old has bagged 17 goals and assisted 21 in all competitions to put himself in contention for the Ballon d'Or. His performance in the first leg against Inter Milan, in which he scored once but could have had a few, will go down as one of the most memorable in recent years for his fearlessness and skill. Robert Lewandowski has continued to be prolific with 40 goals at the age of 36. Former Leeds star Raphinha, meanwhile, has also been instrumental, with 34 goals and 22 assists. Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement as cover for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has played a big part.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘We're doing well': Hansi Flick says Barcelona are focussed on El Clasico against Real Madrid after UCL defeat to Inter Milan
Manager Hansi Flick on Saturday said that Barcelona are ready to move on from their Champions League semifinal defeat against Inter Milan and concentrate on their upcoming clash against La liga title rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona will be keen for a win here as a victory against Real and then another win next week will ensure that they win the La Liga title for the 28th time. 'We're doing well. After the defeat in Milan, everyone knows it's not easy… but we're doing things right. We've talked about what we want to do in these two weeks. There are four more games to go. El Clasico is important, we have to show how well we can play. We have to show confidence. The players are doing very well… We've been talking about what they are thinking, what they are feeling' Flick said. 'We had to talk about it as a group. Everyone knows that in a Clasico you have to give 100%. You have to be active, intense, dominant. Real Madrid is a very good team, and we need the fans,' he added. Flick also addressed the criticism his side often face due to the use of a high line while defending. 'When we started, I was clear about the philosophy… There have been games, especially at the beginning, where we saw doubts, but the team has adapted well. They have also been improving and are happy with the style and how we want to play. When you see the quality of the players you are happy.' The German also praised defender Inigo Martinez while also adding that striker Robert Lewandowski, returning from a hamstring injury, and full back Alejandro Balde would not start against Real. 'He likes to play deeper, and it's unbelievable to see how he's adapted. He's a leader and focuses on winning every game. He works hard in every training session. He shares his positive feelings with his teammates and he is a fighter. A great leader,' he said about Inigo Martinez. 'Gerard Martin and the rest of the players are doing very well. After this match, we have three more games left. Maybe they (Lewandowski and Balde) will get minutes in the second half, I think Balde is ready for that,' he added.
