Aymeric Laporte already has a replacement
Just a few hours after announcing the departure of the French center to Manchester City, the board of the Athletic Club has confirmed that it will be the Basque Iñigo Martinez who will face the impressive challenge of replacing the best defender who has worn the red and white jersey in recent times.
The economic effort to close the signing
In order to close this signing, the Basque club has had to go all out and make a sensational economic effort. And not only to pay the €32 million that were set in the buyout clause of the contract that linked the player with the Real Sociedad, but also to guarantee the defender that he will become the highest paid player in the squad, earning no less than €5 million net per season.
A promising career for Martínez
Forged in the youth ranks of Donostia, Martínez made his debut with the first team in the 2011-2012 season and since then has shown a constant progression that has allowed him to accumulate 270 official matches (18 goals) and earn up to four caps for the Spanish national team.
The challenge ahead for the Ondarrutarra
Although no one doubts his defensive qualities or his remarkable ball striking ability, the Ondarrutarra will have to make a considerable effort to earn the definitive appreciation of the Bilbao parish that in recent years has seen him engage in bitter controversies with many of his players. He has signed until 2023 and will have a €80 million buyout clause.
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) January 30, 2018