Barcelona Sound Out Real Sociedad’s Jon Martin as Bastoni Remains Top Target

Overview

• Barcelona sporting director Deco held an informal meeting with agent Iñaki Ibáñez to gauge Jon Martin’s openness to a move.
• Reports say Barcelona have advanced talks on personal terms with Alessandro Bastoni, though Inter Milan would be the hard part of any deal.
• Martin has a €50 million release clause in a contract that runs to 2031, and he is not left-footed even if he matches other traits Barcelona want.
• Real Sociedad are seen as unlikely sellers this summer, yet in Spain a release clause lets a player leave once the buyout fee is paid in full.
• Barcelona view Martin as a fallback if Bastoni cannot be signed, and head coach Hansi Flick has not yet given final approval for Bastoni.