Barca News
Barcelona has sealed the first signing for next season, which could be official in a matter of weeks or even days. Because while speculation continues about the return of Lionel Messi or the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City, the only player who has a completely closed deal with Juan Laporta is Anigo Martínez at the moment.
Once you pass the medical examination, there will be no barrier to the official declaration. But the official announcement will not be made, out of respect for Athletic Bilbao, who is fighting for a European seat.
However, no one is in the slightest doubt that the 32-year-old will be under Xavi Hernandez’s command from July 1. His contract with Athletic Bilbao expires in just over a month, and despite the attempts they made at San Mamés to persuade him to renew, they were in vain. The Spanish defender decided to start a new challenge, and last summer he already tried to leave.
In fact, he was about to get to the Camp Nou. Mathieu Alemani thought Aenego was a very convincing alternative to Jules Conde, when his signature was greatly complicated by the high price Sevilla were asking.
Finally, they managed to come to an agreement with Monchi for the France international, and the Spanish defender was left out. In addition, in Bilbao they were not ready to negotiate for one of their stars, as they usually do.
Few details about Inigo’s contract have yet to be confirmed, and it’s not known how long his contract will be or what his salary will be, although it is said he will be paid nine million euros in total annually.
But he already has a reserved number, and he will inherit the number “3” shirt, which Gerard Pique left vacant after his retirement in November.
Source: El Nacional
