Barcelona’s decision not to pursue Iñigo Martínez has sparked plenty of debate, especially among fans following club news through Jeetbuzz App Download. Although manager Ernesto Valverde pushed for the signing, internal resistance within the team ultimately led to the transfer stalling. Currently, Barça already have Gerard Piqué, Samuel Umtiti, Javier Mascherano, and Marlon as central defenders. Additionally, there’s the possibility of bringing in Yerry Mina during the winter transfer window, further crowding the position.

Valverde believed that the U.S. pre-season tour highlighted a gap in central defense, and requested Martínez—who has long been on Barcelona’s scouting radar. The board initially aimed to back Valverde by bringing him a symbolic “welcome gift,” and Martínez himself was eager to join. However, the dressing room did not share that enthusiasm, and the move was put on ice. According to Marca, many players wanted to protect Mascherano, who not only serves as the team’s fourth captain but is also a close friend of Lionel Messi.

Mascherano renewed his contract with the club last winter, but has already seen his minutes reduced due to the rise of Umtiti. If Martínez were to arrive, his playing time would shrink further—potentially jeopardizing his hopes of competing in the upcoming World Cup. For a seasoned veteran like Mascherano, regular appearances are crucial. The team felt that bringing in another center-back at this stage would be a step backward for someone who has given so much to the club.

Marca reports that Valverde would likely need to consult with Mascherano personally before making any moves. Though the deal for Real Sociedad’s Iñigo Martínez was said to be nearly complete—at one point considered “just hours away” by the Spanish media—Barcelona suddenly pulled back. The club had already entered discussions with Real Sociedad, and President Bartomeu had contacted Sociedad’s president, Aperribay, directly.

Real Sociedad stood firm, insisting that any club wanting Martínez must pay his €32 million release clause. While Barcelona tried negotiating a lower fee or exploring a potential player swap, the real obstacle wasn’t financial. Despite the price being steep, the main roadblock was the locker room’s resistance. Ultimately, the internal dynamics of the team outweighed any tactical considerations.

For those tracking developments on Jeetbuzz App Download, this episode sheds light on how politics within the dressing room can derail even the most advanced transfer talks. As Barcelona look to strengthen for the future, fans using Jeetbuzz App Download can expect more updates like this—where the final decision goes far beyond talent or price tag. In the end, Mascherano’s influence may have spoken louder than any negotiation.