Barcelona’s squad for next season is likely a long way from where it will be come the end of August, and few of certain of how it will look. One of the names that looked like they might be on the way out was Inigo Martinez, but the Basque defender is earning his place in the squad.

As per Sport, Martinez is the player that has impressed Flick most in training, and he has picked him out as a reference point for the standards he wants. The 33-year-old has arrived in good form, imposing himself, and completing the exercises in training first. He has also been giving out advice to the younger players, and Flick has found himself delighted with the central defender.

Official: FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Los Angeles FC for the transfer of Mbacke, who already played on loan at Barça Atlètic last season. He will sign until 2026. @FCBarcelonaB

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 22, 2024

In addition to Martinez’s form, Barcelona will try to bring back Joao Cancelo on loan this summer from Manchester City. Outside of that though, they will not sign any more defenders this summer.

Martinez was a candidate to leave the club this summer, as he is currently not registered for next season, and it might have been easier to move him on. Yet following Ronald Araujo’s long-term injury, the fact that Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi will arrive late from the Olympics, Martinez’s place in the side is looking much more certain. Starting the season, only Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde will be available currently as alternatives at centre-back, and the latter has often been employed at right-back.

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