Xavi’s departure spells bad news for a veteran Barcelona star

A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has seen his immediate future thrown up in the air by way of the departure of head coach Xavi.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Iñigo Martínez as the player in question.

Iñigo, for his part, is understood to have been a firm favourite of the aforementioned Xavi, who pushed hard for the experienced stopper to be brought to Catalunya’s capital last summer.

However, with the Spaniard having since been sent on his way, Iñigo’s status for next season all of a sudden looks altogether less clear.

As per MD, Hansi Flick’s intentions for the 33-year-old remain unknown, with the German tactician facing up to something of a logjam at the heart of his defence.

Not only that, but throwing Iñigo’s future into yet further doubt is the fact that he has not yet been registered by Barcelona with La Liga for 2024/25.

It is added that the former Athletic Club standout has absolutely no intention of moving on this summer, adamant that he will see out the final year of his contract on Barcelona’s books.

But his new manager could yet have other ideas, with Iñigo’s performance in pre-season likely to prove key to his continuation, or lack thereof.

Conor Laird | GSFN