Why Barcelona turned down Saudi offer for Inigo Martinez

Barcelona reportedly turned down an offer for center-back Inigo Martinez at the end of the summer transfer window.

The Catalan giants were made an offer worth €5 million for Martinez but turned it down, according to Marca.

The report claims that “it was not an easy decision” because selling Martinez would have freed up some financial fair play.

It would also have represented a decent profit, particularly given Martinez arrived on a free transfer, turned 33 in May, and is out of contract at the end of the season.

However, new boss Hansi Flick refused to sanction the sale, largely because he is without Ronald Araujo for several months due to injury and would have been left short of options.

Barcelona have also seen Andreas Christensen sidelined for some time, meaning Martinez looks set for a key role over the coming weeks and months.

The defender has started all four of Barcelona’s La Liga games so far this season and looks set to continue in the XI alongside Pau Cubarsi.