La Liga club unwilling to sell Barcelona defensive target with €50 million release clause | OneFootball

As reported earlier today, FC Barcelona sporting director Deco held a meeting with the agent of Real Sociedad defender Jon Martin earlier this week.

The 20-year-old centre-back is being considered an alternative for the Catalans’ priority target Alessandro Bastoni. And, the meeting between his agent, Inaki Ibanez, and Deco served as an initial contact between the parties.

Apart from Barcelona, their rivals, Real Madrid, are also interested in the Spanish defender and have been keeping tabs on his development.

Real Sociedad do not want to sell Martin

However, according to SPORT, Real Sociedad are not willing to sell Martin, who is growing into a key player for the team under the tutelage of Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Standing at 1.87 metres, with strong ball distribution and personality, and immense potential, it is natural for Martin to be on the radars of top clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are in the market for central defenders.

Jon Martin (C) is a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The 20-year-old defender impressed heavily in the Copa del Rey final that Real Sociedad won last weekend against Atletico Madrid.

However, La Real are unwilling to sell their academy graduate, who recently signed a new long-term contract until 2031.

The deal, however, contains a €50 million release clause, which the interested parties would have to activate to sign him, given Real Sociedad’s stance.

Bastoni remains Barcelona’s priority

Barcelona, for their part, are aware of the high cost of Martin and currently view him as an alternative to their main target, Bastoni.

The Italian, aged 27, has a higher valuation, estimated between €60-70 million, and Inter Milan are expected to be firm in negotiations.

However, Barcelona will attempt to include players in the deal, such as Roony Bardghji, to reduce the fee.