Barça coach Ernesto Valverde: It's Iñigo Martinez or no one
Valverde only wants the La Real man to strengthen his defence
Martinez's release clause is fixed at 32 million euros
Ernesto Valverde is actively participating in the transfer market. The Barcelona coach is working with the signing committee and is very interested in strengthening the defence this month.
However, there's only one name Valverde's keen on: Iñigo Martinez. It was Iñigo or no one, as he wasn't clear on the other names which were on the table. But, finally, it seems his request will not be met, with Barça strengthening in other areas.
The Barcelona coach felt Martinez could play a big role at the club. He has a lot of experience in La Liga, is a natural leader and is good on the ball.
Valverde wanted him at Athletic and, after the sale of Neymar, saw an opportunity to bring him to Barça. Iñigo would have become Gerard Pique's partner, with Javier Mascherano and Samuel Umtiti the reseve centre-backs.
However, the club feel paying the 32 million euro release clause is not a priority at the moment and they can go until January without strengthening in that area.
The club have Thomas Vermaelen and Marlon Santos as options to be the fourth centre-back, while they will invest their money further forward on the pitch.
Valverde, for now, will be left without his preferred defensive option.
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