Gerard Martin gets new chance with FC Barcelona

Gerard Martin has received a greater opportunity with FC Barcelona after the club finished the transfer window without signing a left-sided centre-back, making him one of the main candidates to partner Pau Cubarsí in central defence against Valencia.

FC Barcelona attempted to sign Ronny Nestadi, a defender from Twente, but the Dutch club rejected an €8 million offer, causing the deal to stall and FC Barcelona to decide against signing a new centre-back.

This follows Álvaro Cortés's departure to Royal Antwerp and Ronald Araujo's loan move to Liverpool, reducing Hans Flick's options at centre-back.

Cubarsí is considered the primary option in central defence, while Gerard Martin and Christensen are competing for the other spot, with the possibility of relying on Jules Koundé as well. Meanwhile, Erik García primarily occupies the right-back position.

According to 'Sport', Gerrard has successfully transitioned from left-back to centre-back over the past two seasons, becoming one of Flick's trusted options.

During the 2025/2026 season, Gerard participated in 51 matches, including 32 as a centre-back and 19 as a full-back, totaling 2416 minutes, after convincing the German coach of his physical abilities and defending in open spaces.

With the start of the current season, Gerard has played at centre-back against Elche and Athletic Bilbao, alongside Christensen and Cubarsí, confirming that he has become a real option for Flick in this position.

Following the closure of the transfer market, Gerard Martin's role at FC Barcelona may increase due to the club not signing a new centre-back.