The reason for Barcelona s core team departure: Saudi Arabia has 40 million in 2 years and cannot refuse! After playing, he is considering retirement

This summer, 34-year-old Inigo Martinez suddenly left Barcelona and joined Saudi Riyadh to win. Why did Inigo leave the team? On August 31, the Daily Sports Daily revealed the story behind it: Saudi Arabia's two-year salary of 40 million euros is really unstoppable... In 2024-25 season, Inigo Martinez is Barcelona's absolute main force and core defender, forming a central defender with Ku and Brazil. Before the start of the new season, Inigo Martinez also went to Asia with the team to prepare for pre-season. Barcelona coach Frick also regards Inigo Martinez as an important member. However, on August 10, Inigo Martinez won the free transfer in Riyadh, which was somewhat surprising.

"Daily Sports News" reveals the story.

Around July 20, Inigo Martinez's agent received a call from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh victory invited Inigo to play football in Saudi Arabia. Not long after, Saudi Arabia called again and sent an undeniable offer.

This is a 1+1 contract, which can easily activate the terms of the second year. The annual salary after tax is 20 million euros, and 40 million euros in two years. For 34-year-old Inigo Martinez, this may be the last big contract in his football career.

In Barcelona, ​​Inigo Martinez's annual salary after tax is 6 million euros, and the last year left in the contract. Barcelona sports director Deco asked Inigor Martinez whether he had any intention to renew his contract, but the player did not make a promise. On the return flight to Barcelona Asia, Inigo Martinez admitted to coach Frick and his teammates that he had the intention to leave Barcelona.

Although Inigo Martinez still has one year contract, considering the players' contribution to Barcelona, ​​Barcelona did not set any obstacles and agreed to release the person, allowing Inigo to go to Saudi Arabia to pursue a high salary.

"Daily Sports Daily" pointed out that as Barcelona's coach, Frick, is very unhappy with the loss of the main force. Barcelona does not have sufficient funds and salary space to introduce main-level central defenders, which directly leads to the weakening of Barcelona's defense strength. Frick likes to create offside tactics, and Inigor Martinez is an important implementer and commander. Losing Inigor is a huge loss for Frick. Inigo Martinez, 34, will be a 36-year-old veteran after fulfilling Saudi Arabia's contract. The Daily Sports Daily said that after Saudi Arabia played for two years, Inigo did not rule out retirement. After all, a salary of 40 million euros for two years is equivalent to playing in Barcelona for 7 years.