Barcelona’s Five-Horse Transfer Gambit: Replacing Martinez Amid Real Madrid and Bayern Interest

Overview

Barcelona faces a challenging task this coming summer: finding a proper successor to center-back Inigo Martinez, whose presence has underscored the Catalan club in the early months of the season. Martinez has been decisive in several aspects — a defender who controls threats with precision, a leader without a formal armband who guides teammates in the backline. To date, the club has not found a replacement who mirrors his communication and the ability to initiate plays as a left-footed defender.

According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Deco, Barça’s sporting director, signaled last summer the possibility that one of the defenders might depart; all indications pointed at Andreas Christensen. Yet the Basque defender surprised everyone by requesting a move to Al Nassr, leaving Barça to reassess their options.

Top targets under consideration

Since that episode, coach Hans Flick has tested several options. He began with Pau Cubar­si in this position, but as weeks passed, Eric Garcia gradually established himself as a regular starter. Today, the pair are the main choices to form the central defense, while club officials continue scouting the market for an additional defender.

The Catalan daily highlights the main names Barça is weighing to replace Martinez, listed as follows:

Nico Schlotterbeck (25, Borussia Dortmund) – the leading candidate

Schlotterbeck is the closest in style to Martinez and has impressed Flick; he seems capable of partnering with Cubarsí in the backline. His current deal runs through 2027, which should ease a potential move, though he remains a target for several top clubs. The German has a left foot that can slice through lines and a game‑long passing vision reminiscent of Martinez, while his tenacity helps him cover space effectively. Dortmund have pushed to extend his contract to 2030, but the player has signaled he’s not in a rush, with salary demands and rising market value (reports place him above €40m) drawing attention from Bayern Munich as well.

Gonzalo Inacio (24, Sporting CP) – a magical touch

One of the standout Portuguese prospects, Inacio has earned praise from the likes of Pepe for his potential. The left-footed defender’s contract runs to 2027 with a release clause around €60m. He combines speed with strong defensive instincts, excels on set pieces, and stands 1.85 meters tall. Sporting CP is eager to renew, but Inacio is weighing his options and could view Barça as a top destination to accelerate his growth.

Marc Guehi (25, Crystal Palace) – golden opportunity

With Crystal Palace knowing the English defender won’t renew his contract, a move abroad could be on the table for Barcelona. Guehi has already gained valuable experience against top Premier League sides, showing a balanced, intelligent approach rather than merely physical defending. He developed through Chelsea’s academy, spent time in the Championship, and earned a place in the English top flight and the national team. Palace consider him a cornerstone, but Bayern Munich, Barça, and Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Tait Tati (17, Nantes) – a gem in the making

Despite his young age, Tati has already featured for Nantes’ first team and has drawn attention for his high‑ceiling physical attributes. He joined Nantes in 2023 from Clairefontaine and has progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, earning a pro contract until 2028 to explore his full potential. He turns 18 in January and is viewed by Nantes as a rare, raw talent waiting for refinement.

Dayot Upamecano (27, Bayern Munich) – star under watch

Upamecano remains one of the world’s elite defenders, yet fluctuations in form keep him under constant scrutiny. He is a fixture in Bayern’s rearguard, and his contract runs through next summer. The arrival of coach Vincent Komany has positively influenced his positioning, with praise for his understanding of long balls and timing. Bayern want to renew, while Real Madrid and others watch carefully. Barcelona view his status as a highly attractive option given his experience against top-tier competition and his comfort on the ball under pressure.

Across all five names, Barça’s scouting seeks a defender who can complement the existing spine and help sustain the team’s progression under the current tactical setup, with an eye on both immediate impact and long-term value.

Two lighthearted notes to close: if Barça lands any of these players, expect a smug defender laugh in the mirror every morning. And if none of them land, well, at least the club will still have a top-notch recruitment brief to file under “Plan B” — because even pro football clubs have twist endings worthy of a TV cliffhanger.