Al Nassr move to trigger Iñigo Martínez contract option to keep defender until 2027

Al Nassr are reportedly moving to extend Iñigo Martínez’s contract by activating an option that would keep the Spanish centre‑back at the club through the summer of 2027, the latest transfer update ahead of the Saudi Pro League title defence. The report, via Saudi outlet Okaz and summarised by World Soccer Talk on May 29, says the club hierarchy wants to lock down Martínez after his first season in Riyadh.

Why it matters

Keeping Martínez — a regular starter since joining on a free transfer — would preserve Al Nassr’s defensive core as they prepare to defend the domestic crown. Martínez made 43 appearances across all competitions in his first season, starting 42 times and accumulating 3,717 minutes, according to the source.

What the report says

The World Soccer Talk summary of the Okaz report says Al Nassr’s board are working to trigger an option in Martínez’s deal that would extend his contract until the summer of 2027. The piece notes Martínez arrived at the start of the season on a free transfer and quickly became a first‑choice centre‑back.

Martínez’s first season: appearances and impact

According to the same source, Martínez featured heavily in the campaign: 43 appearances across all competitions, four goals and eight yellow cards. He started 42 matches and logged 3,717 minutes, illustrating the workload he carried in Al Nassr’s defence.

• Report: Al Nassr are seeking to activate an option to extend Iñigo Martínez’s contract through summer 2027.
• Martínez joined Al Nassr on a free transfer at the start of the season.
• Season stats cited: 43 appearances, 42 starts, 3,717 minutes, four goals, eight yellow cards.

Ronaldo and possible squad changes

World Soccer Talk’s piece also highlights that while Al Nassr move to secure Martínez, other squad changes could be on the horizon. It reports that Marcelo Brozović may be in difficult contract talks and could leave the club, per former Al Nassr legal department manager Saad Al‑Subaie. The story also says goalkeeper Nawaf Al‑Aqidi may seek a move if he does not get more playing time after losing the starting spot to Bento.

The source gives appearance figures for the goalkeepers: Al‑Aqidi registered 12 appearances, conceding 12 goals with three clean sheets, while Bento made 34 appearances, conceded 24 goals and kept 19 clean sheets.

Limitations and what remains unconfirmed

The available reporting is secondary and attributes the contract move to Okaz; there is no direct confirmation from Al Nassr, Martínez, or his representatives in the source metadata. Details of the clause, timing of activation, and any contract terms were not provided. Similarly, reports about Brozović and Al‑Aqidi are presented as insider claims rather than club announcements.

Because primary confirmation is missing from the supplied source metadata, this draft is marked as needing review. Verify with official club communications or direct reporting before publication.

What happens next

If Al Nassr formally trigger the option, Martínez would remain available for the club’s 2026–27 preparations and provide continuity in central defence as they defend the Saudi Pro League title. Meanwhile, confirmed departures or retention of Brozović and the goalkeeper situation could reshape Al Nassr’s midfield and goalkeeping options ahead of the summer window.