Barcelona transfer news: Blaugrana defender rules out Camp Nou departure amid exit talk

Barcelona defender Gerard Martin has said that he is not interested in leaving Camp Nou this summer.

The 23-year-old was a regular for Barcelona during the 2024-25 campaign, featuring on 42 occasions in all competitions, scoring one goal and registering six assists in the process.

Martin managed three assists in eight appearances in the Champions League, while he scored once and registered three assists in 28 La Liga appearances during a productive campaign.

Alejandro Balde is the first-choice left-back at Barcelona, though, and there has recently been speculation surrounding Martin's future, with a number of clubs said to be keen on his signature.

Martin, who has been on the sidelines recovering from a hand injury that he sustained while representing Spain Under-21s earlier this summer, has ruled out a summer departure amid the transfer talk.

Barca defender Martin not interested in summer exit

“I don’t know if those stories are true. If they were, someone would have told me by now,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “I’m happy at Barcelona. I don’t want to go anywhere. As long as the coach and the club trust me, I can’t ask for more.

"The coach trusts me, and that helps a lot. We’ve done video analysis together, and in training, he pushes me to give my best. During games, he asks me to be myself and stay focused."

Martin also revealed that he is now ready to return to training, having recovered from the hand issue that led to him undergoing an operation.

“I’m fine now,” he added. “I was in a cast for three weeks, and at first I was a little worse, but I’m better now, ready to train on Monday and do whatever else I need to do.”

Should Martin leave Barcelona this summer?

Ideally, Martin would be first choice at this stage of his career, especially after proving himself last season, but there should still be plenty of appearances for the Spaniard next term.

Indeed, Barcelona will again be looking to challenge across all competitions, and Balde has had his fitness problems, so there will be more than enough games for Martin to get his minutes in.

The defender has another three years left to run on his contract, having penned an extension in 2025, and he is expected to travel with the Barcelona squad to Asia for their pre-season tour.

Written by
Matt Law