BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 06: Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona fights for the ball with Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan during a Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at M&T Bank Stadium on August 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Real Betis have now set their sights on 22-year-old Barcelona full-back

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

There were several changes in the FC Barcelona squad in the last summer transfer window, and one can argue that the Blaugrana team was left with an overall weaker squad following that window as there were several big departures and only two new additions.

One of the players to leave the club last summer was Joao Cancelo, who completed his loan stint at the Catalan side, and there was no agreement between Barcelona and Manchester City to extend his stay at the Blaugrana club.

With his departure, the Catalan team’s flanks have lost a lot of depth, as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde both have two inexperienced youngsters, Hector Fort, and Gerard Martin, as their replacements.

However, the situation can get even worse for Barcelona in the coming months as Fichajes reports that the La Liga club Real Betis is interested in one of these young fullbacks, Gerard Martin.

The Verdiblancos are looking for a player who can be a bet for both the present and the future, and the 22-year-old Barcelona defender suits their needs. The Seville-based club is looking to convince the fullback to join them by offering him a more prominent role in the team, and can even promise him a starting role.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also looking to replace the defender who has made 10 appearances for them this season as Alejandro Balde’s substitute. Martin has added up 288 minutes in these appearances and has one assist to his name.

For their part, Real Betis can take one of two routes to bring the young defender to their team. They can sign him directly or they can get him on a loan for the next season. The latter option would be particularly attractive for the player as it will allow him to get more regular playing time in La Liga while also remaining associated with Barcelona.

Tags Gerard Martin