Barcelona blocked from renewing Hansi Flick favourite's contract due to financial concerns

Barcelona's plans to extend centre-back Inigo Martinez's contract have been blocked by La Liga's financial rules, a report has claimed.

Martinez, who joined in 2023 on a free transfer at Athletic Club, has emerged as an integral part of Hansi Flick's starting lineup, with 28 of his 29 appearances so far this year coming as a starter.

The veteran defender's contract, which expires in the summer, includes a 12-month extension clause if he plays 45 minutes in at least 60% of Barcelona's matches this season. He is expected to reach that tally without any trouble, with the maximum threshold being 37 appearances if Barcelona reach both the finals of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

MARCA state Barcelona have already confirmed they want to offer Martinez an entirely new contract to reward him for his performances under Flick.

However, as it stands, any extension to Martinez's contract has been blocked because Barcelona would exceed La Liga's salary restrictions if they renew the 33-year-old's deal.

Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Gavi and Pau Cubarsi have all extended their contracts with Barcelona in the past few weeks and now find themselves right at the limit of their spending for next season, leaving no room for further extensions.

Barcelona are in talks with La Liga over finding a way to register Martinez, whose expiring contract is one of two pressing issues for the Blaugrana alongside goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

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