Iñigo Martínez reveals why he left Barcelona for Al-Nassr and highlights Pau Cubarsí

Iñigo Martínez has explained the reasons behind his surprising departure from Barcelona to Saudi club Al-Nassr. The veteran defender revealed that the lack of a renewal offer from the Blaugrana made the decision inevitable, even though his preference was to continue at Camp Nou.

Martínez: “If Barça had renewed me, I would have stayed”

The 34-year-old admitted that Barcelona’s hesitation was decisive.

“Seeing myself at 34 and ending at 35 without having anything guaranteed at Barça… if a two-year offer comes your way, it’s hard to say no,” Martínez told Barça Buzz.

The Spaniard signed a lucrative deal with Al-Nassr, where he earns a higher salary than he did in Catalonia. Although he only committed for one season in the Saudi Pro League, the move ended his brief stint with the Blaugrana.

Praise for Pau Cubarsí

Despite his new chapter, Martínez admitted he misses Spain — especially his young former defensive partner Pau Cubarsí.

He described the La Masia prodigy as “one of the most intelligent players I’ve seen” and confessed that their farewell was emotional:

“Will he miss me? It’s mutual. The farewell was very complicated, I had a hard time. Of the three clubs I’ve been at, Barça was the hardest to say goodbye to.”

Barcelona Seeks a Left-Footed Defender

With Martínez gone, Hansi Flick has requested a replacement who can complement Cubarsí. The club is considering Murillo (ex-Corinthians, currently at Nottingham Forest) and Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) as potential targets.

Barcelona believe a naturally left-footed defender would be key to enhancing their defensive structure in the 2025/26 season.