At FC Bayern, planning for the upcoming transfer windows is already in full swing. It appears that club officials are also looking into potential new signings for the defense. One player who has come into focus is, of all people, under contract with former coach Hansi Flick: Gerard Martín of FC Barcelona.
The 24-year-old Spaniard has established himself as a reliable option for the Catalans in recent months. His versatility, in particular, makes him an attractive prospect for other clubs. Martín is comfortable playing both at left back and in central defense.
According to information from fussball-news.de, the left-footed player is now part of the German record champions’ expanded list of candidates. However, Bayern are by no means alone in their interest.
Several top European clubs are also keeping an eye on the defender. Inter Milan and Liverpool FC, in particular, are said to have already taken the first steps.
Flick Throws a Wrench in Bayern’s Plans
While the Italians and Liverpool are already exploring the terms of a potential transfer, the Munich club has so far remained on the sidelines.
According to the report, there have been neither talks between Bayern and Barcelona nor a concrete offer for Martín. In any case, it’s likely to be difficult to pry the Spaniard away from Catalonia. That’s because Flick apparently has entirely different plans for his defender.
The former Bayern coach values Martín as a versatile option for his defense and wants to continue relying on him in the future. A sale is therefore out of the question for the 61-year-old.
The FC Barcelona club leadership apparently shares this stance.
This already suggests that interested clubs would face significant resistance in the event of a potential transfer.
Bayern would have to dig deep into its pockets
Barcelona’s current contract plans demonstrate just how serious the club is about Martín. Although the defender is under contract through 2028, the Catalans are reportedly already in talks about an early extension. A new contract running through 2030 or even 2031 is on the table.
Martín himself is also said to be able to envision a long-term future at Barça.
Then there’s the financial aspect. While his market value is estimated at around 40 million euros, his contract includes a buyout clause of 100 million euros.
According to fussball-news.de, Barcelona might be open to talks only if an offer between 55 and 60 million euros were made. However, no specific transfer fee has been set yet.
For Bayern, Martín would therefore be anything but a bargain. Especially since the Munich club would first have to assess whether there is actually a need for yet another versatile defender.