Gerard Martín Declares Himself Barcelona’s Permanent Centre-Back
His move from left-back to the heart of defence after the 2025/26 emergency switch gives Hansi Flick a trusted internal option that eases Barcelona’s immediate need for a specialist signing.
Overview
- Martín confirmed in interviews published in early August 2026 that he now thinks and trains as a full-time centre-back and does not expect to return to left-back.
- The change began as an emergency solution by coach Hansi Flick during the 2025/26 season and Flick has continued to select Martín at centre-back, signalling sustained managerial trust.
- Martín’s heavy involvement last season underpins the switch: he made more than 50 first-team appearances, including 32 La Liga outings with 26 starts and over 2,100 minutes played.
- Coverage says the successful conversion reduces pressure on Barcelona to sign a specialist central defender this summer, especially with other young options such as Álvaro Cortés being evaluated.
- The 24-year-old former Cornellà youth product’s rapid adaptation highlights Barcelona’s reliance on academy and squad versatility and may shape final decisions on promotions, loans and transfers in the club’s preseason planning.