‘He wouldn’t have left‘ — Julio Salinas blames Barcelona contract policy for losing Inigo Martinez | OneFootball

The departure of Inigo Martinez was one of the main highlights of the last summer transfer window for FC Barcelona, as the Spanish defender was a key part of the Blaugrana team that won all the big domestic titles last season.

His departure has inarguably left a hole in the Catalan team’s defense, and Hansi Flick has since not been able to select a fixed center-back to partner with Pau Cubarsi. As a result, there are several people who are not happy with his departure from Barcelona.

Even Barcelona’s handling of Inigo Martinez’s contract has come under scrutiny, with former Blaugrana striker Julio Salinas suggesting that the Spanish defender’s departure could have been avoided with a longer renewal offer.

Speaking at the Desafío Nacex charity padel tournament, as reported by SPORT, an event featuring former players from both Barcelona and Real Madrid, Salinas reflected on the significance of Martinez’s exit and its lasting impact on Hansi Flick’s tactical setup.

“No matter how Deco tries to explain Iñigo’s case… He arrived even though it wasn’t certain he could be registered. He always played at a high level, never complained, and was a leader. He deserved to stay, but Barça had financial problems. They wanted to sell a center-back — either Christensen or Araújo — but couldn’t. If they had offered him two more years on his contract, he wouldn’t have left, although I understand it wasn’t possible given Barça’s current financial situation.”

Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

Salinas also analyzed the team’s current defensive struggles, pointing out that Flick’s biggest challenge has been the lack of consistency in his back line. Frequent injuries have prevented the team from finding rhythm or stability.

“Iñigo was fundamental for this team: he had experience, authority, a sense of timing, and great distribution. He was a teacher for the youngsters, and his absence will be felt. Even though the season is long, Barça has had a rough patch with injuries. Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine haven’t been able to play together, and that’s had a big impact. It’s clear that without them, Barça loses a lot of attacking power.”

The echoes of his influence continue to shape Barcelona’s season. Without him, Flick has had to rotate and readjust his back line, searching for the same stability that once came naturally. The defense, once one of the team’s strongest areas, now looks uncertain.

In football, the departure of one player rarely defines an entire campaign. Yet in Barcelona’s case, Inigo Martinez’s exit feels like more than a change of personnel. It was the removal of a cornerstone that held together both the system and the spirit of the side.

Hopefully, Hansi Flick will be able to get over this challenge soon, and get another defender to take on the leadership mantle from Martinez.