Barcelona sporting director meets agent of La Liga defender considered as Bastoni alternative

Barcelona have not communicated any specific intention to sign Martin to the player himself, but Deco has now established contact with the player’s agent.

Martin, 23, has been one of the standout defenders in La Liga this season, and his performance in the Copa del Rey final – where Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid – only served to amplify his reputation further.

His composure, reading of the game and ability to play out from the back have drawn admiring glances from several major European clubs.

The Real Sociedad defender holds a contract until 2031, with a release clause set at €50 million, marginally below what Barcelona are prepared to spend on Bastoni should that deal materialise.

While Martin is not left-footed, which is among the preferred attributes Barcelona are seeking in a centre-back, he is 1.87 metres tall, strong in the air and fits several of the other parameters the club value in a defensive profile.

Bastoni remains the undisputed priority, but Barcelona are leaving nothing to chance.