Barcelona move to extend Gerard Martín's deal as defender cements place under Flick

Barcelona have opened early discussions over a contract extension for Gerard Martín, with multiple reports indicating the club want the 24-year-old centre-back tied down beyond his existing deal, which currently runs until 2028. The proposed new terms would include a higher salary and a larger release clause, reflecting Martín’s growing importance to Hansi Flick’s squad.

There is no urgency on either side at this stage. No formal negotiations have taken place and no meeting date has been set, with only preliminary conversations held between the club and the player’s representatives. The approach mirrors Barcelona’s recent handling of other emerging academy players — moving to lock in value before a breakout season drives the cost of retention upward.

Martín is a Barcelona native who came through the academy at UE Cornellà before joining the club’s B team. Originally developed as a left-back, he has been repurposed as a centre-back under Flick and has established himself as a regular in the first-team picture. Reports suggest he is content to remain at his hometown club, and Barcelona view him as a player with further room to develop.

The situation at centre-back has accelerated Martín’s prominence this season. With Ronald Araújo out on loan at Liverpool, Martín is expected to feature heavily alongside Pau Cubarsí, with Andreas Christensen also sharing duties in the position. Eric García remains in the squad but has been deployed more frequently as a full-back. Barcelona considered signing a centre-back during the summer transfer window but ultimately did not, leaving Martín’s minutes largely uncontested.

His progress has drawn comparisons to the trajectory of midfielder Marc Bernal, another academy graduate whom Barcelona moved to reward after he forced his way into Flick’s plans. The club’s broader strategy appears to centre on securing homegrown talent to longer terms before outside interest materialises.

Martín did pick up a facial injury following a blow sustained in Barcelona’s win over Levante, though he is expected to recover quickly and remain part of Flick’s regular defensive rotation.