Barcelona buys a new center back after activating the third 'lever': Gerard Piqué, forgotten.

When everyone believed that Barça had closed the transfer market in terms of new signings, after the arrival of Jules Koundé, the Spanish press reports on Tuesday that, at the request of coach Xavi Hernández, Joan Laporta will go for another center back: Íñigo Martínez, player of Athletic Club Bilbao.

Barça's plans with the Spanish defender were to sign him for free in the next European summer. However, the money that has entered the coffers of the blue and maroon now allows them to make the signing in the current transfer market. Why wait?

According to information from Spanish media, Barcelona already has Martínez's agreement. The deal would be for the next four seasons, so Laporta only has to negotiate with Athletic Club Bilbao.

At the Nuevo San Mamés stadium, they already know that Íñigo is not willing to renew his contract and there doesn't seem to be anything that will change his mind. For that reason, selling the defender would be the best option for the 'Lions'.

If he were to join the Barça team, he would also have to fight for a starting position or be one of the regular substitutes for Xavi, who this season will have 'problems' putting together a squad, leaving key players on the bench.

One of those players would be none other than Gerard Piqué. According to the portal Don Balón, the Catalan defender would be very marginalized from Xavi's plans for the 2022-23 season. Such a situation could make the player look for new opportunities in his career. Soap opera in sight.

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