Barcelona have signed their first player of the 2023 summer window.
The Catalan giants have completed the signing of experienced center-back Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club, according to Sport.
However, the signing was made without manager Xavi Hernandez’s approval, according to El National.
The defender has signed a deal with the Catalan giants to keep him at Camp Nou until 2025, with a reported salary of around €9 million.
Sport reports that Martinez will join Barcelona at the end of the season to bolster their defense.
His move to Barcelona follows the exit of veteran defender Gerard Pique and a series of injuries that have plagued the team.
Martinez, a Spain international, was close to joining Barcelona a few seasons ago.
Martinez was not Xavi’s preferred choice with the center-back position already well-covered.