Barcelona remains committed to signing Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, yet negotiations with the Italian club are proving challenging. Consequently, sporting director Deco recently held an informal meeting with the agent of Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martin to assess the player’s availability and club’s interest.
At 23, Martin has established himself as one of La Liga’s standout defenders, bolstered by his performance in the Copa del Rey final where Real Sociedad triumphed over Atletico Madrid. His composure, game reading, and ability to play from the back have caught the eye of several top European teams.
Though Martin is right-footed, while Barcelona prefers left-footed centre-backs, he ticks several crucial boxes: standing 1.87 metres tall, strong aerially, and proficient in building play from defense. His contract runs until 2031 with a release clause near €50 million, aligning with Barcelona’s defensive spending capacity.
Bastoni remains the primary target, but Barcelona’s engagement with Martin’s camp shows a strategic approach to ensure depth and cover in defense. This preparedness reduces transfer risk and indicates a well-rounded recruitment policy.
