In an effort to improve on last season’s performance, Al Nassr made major moves this summer. Along with a coaching change, the club let go of several top-tier players and brought in others of equal or higher caliber. One of them is Iñigo Martinez, who left Barcelona to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s new teammate.
In a recent interview with Onda Vasca, the Spanish defender made it clear what ultimately drove his move to the Saudi Pro League: money. “When you see the offer, you don’t believe it. No one is prepared to see that kind of contract—at least I wasn’t,” Martinez admitted candidly.
“I’ve been a pawn in soccer, climbing the ladder through effort and sweat, but when you get a contract like this, it hits you all at once,” Iñigo added. “I didn’t have a low salary at Barça, and my family was happy. It wasn’t an easy decision because I’m dragging my wife and daughters into it, but I’m sure that if I had more years left on my contract, I would’ve thought twice.”
Martinez joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023 after a long career in La Liga with Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. His first year in Catalunya saw limited playing time, with just 25 appearances, but following the departure of Xavi Hernandez and the arrival of Hansi Flick as head coach, the defender became a key figure in the squad.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.
During the 2024–25 season, Iñigo played 46 matches and scored three goals. He was especially impactful in the UEFA Champions League, where he played a vital role in Barcelona’s campaign, which ended in the semifinals against Inter Milan.
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Al Nassr’s Barcelona signing Iñigo Martinez sets clear title goals for Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates
The conversation between Iñigo Martinez and Flick
In the same interview, Iñigo Martinez explained how difficult it was to inform Barcelona’s coach of his decision to leave the club for Saudi Arabia. “I spoke with Flick when we returned from the tour (in Asia). I was honest with him because I knew he’d understand perfectly, since I have one year left on my contract and I’m 34 years old. These trains don’t come around often, and it’s hard to say no,” the defender said.
Regarding the coach’s reaction, Martinez explained: “It caught him by surprise, but he understood perfectly after the first couple of minutes. It was a pleasant conversation, and I felt really sad because we had mutual appreciation. It was emotional rather than tense, realizing the moment together was ending and I wouldn’t be part of the group anymore. I knew how important I was to him.”
Martinez faces a tough challenge at Al Nassr
Al Nassr brought in Iñigo Martinez to fill the gap left by Aymeric Laporte, another Spanish center-back who played for the club over the past two years and is now working on a move back to Europe.
Alongside Martinez, Al Nassr have also signed another European star: Joao Felix. The young Portuguese winger is the most high-profile signing of the Saudi Pro League this summer and is expected to form an ideal partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman could also join them, potentially creating a fearsome attacking quartet alongside Sadio Mane.
With these signings, Al Nassr aim to raise their level and finally capture the elusive Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite titles—trophies that have slipped through their fingers since CR7’s arrival in 2023.
