FC Barcelona remains home to the best players in the world who are simultaneously committed to their craft. These stars that continue to show commitment to Barcelona and play for the badge deservingly receive the praise that they do. While some are brought in as market opportunities, others are direct requests of the manager.
Since Xavi Hernandez’s arrival in 2021, the Catalan coach has requested certain signings. While many are grand arrivals that no one can help but awe at, there are others that would get the manager a significant amount of backlash in the scenario that they do not work out.
Xavi’s desire
As such, praise is due when they do end up working out. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, 32-year-old former Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez was a direct request of the Barça coach. The Basque defender had impressed Xavi for a while, and the coach initially wanted him signed way back in 2021.
Long awaited arrival
Back then, the coach wanted to sign him but Bilbao made his departure difficult. Then in the summer of 2022, Xavi continued to insist. As per the Barcelona coach, he had his eyes set on Martinez if Jules Kounde failed to arrive. However, even once the Frenchman’s transfer was secured, Barcelona still pursued Inigo and asked him to wait for them.
Finally, in 2023, the player arrives at Barça after having sealed a pre-agreement with the club. With his contract expired, he joined as a free transfer and had Xavi’s trust since day one. Despite his injury concerns and lack of fitness, Barcelona counted on him to reach his best soon enough.
Against Mallorca, the player failed to impress. However, in the most recent match against Athletic Bilbao, he showcased exactly why Xavi believes in him so much. Defensively solid and impressive with his passing range, he showed that he has the potential to be a proper Barcelona centreback.
