Wolves Set Their Sights on Barcelona’s Gerard Martín – Premier League Move Could Be on the Cards

Wolverhampton Wanderers have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Barcelona left-back Gerard Martín, according to a fresh report from Spanish outlet Sport. The 23-year-old, who has spent the majority of his time at the Camp Nou as a backup, may now be tempted by a switch to the Premier League—especially with Wolves reportedly willing to offer him a long-term deal with a significant salary increase.

This transfer development comes as Wolves prepare for a busy summer window under new boss Vítor Pereira, with the potential departure of key player Rayan Aït-Nouri opening the door for reinforcements in the left-back position.

Limited Role at Barcelona Sparks Exit Talks

Martín featured in 43 matches across all competitions for the Blaugrana during the 2024/25 season, but managed fewer than 1,800 minutes in total—averaging just over 41 minutes per appearance. This clearly indicates that he was not a regular starter, primarily serving as cover for first-choice left-back Alejandro Balde.

Barcelona had initially intended to retain Martín, who signed a contract extension earlier this year that runs until 2028. However, recent reports suggest that the Catalan giants are now willing to part ways with either Martín or fellow youngster Héctor Fort, as both are expected to have limited first-team opportunities moving forward.

Sport reports that Barcelona are hoping to cash in on at least one of the two defenders, as the club continues to manage its finances carefully while undergoing a squad rebuild under new manager Hansi Flick.

Wolves Ready to Make Their Move

Enter Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have reportedly shown a strong interest in acquiring Martín. While no official bid has been submitted at this stage, the Midlands club are believed to be seriously considering making an offer, and Barcelona are expecting Wolves to initiate talks soon.

According to the report, Wolves are prepared to present Martín with a compelling proposal, which includes a long-term contract and a “significantly improved” salary. This could be enough to sway the Spaniard, despite his initial preference to remain at the Camp Nou.

Wolves see Martín as a promising talent with the potential to flourish in the Premier League, and they are keen to offer him a more prominent role than he currently enjoys in Spain. The player, for his part, may find the prospect of becoming a regular starter in England and boosting his earnings difficult to resist.

Financials and Transfer Fee

Martín is currently valued at €7.5 million by Transfermarkt, but Sport claim Barcelona will not accept anything less than €12 million for his services. This figure is not out of reach for Wolves, particularly with the anticipated sale of Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City.

Aït-Nouri has been one of Wolves’ standout performers, attracting interest from several top clubs. His impending move to City is expected to generate a substantial transfer fee, which could provide Wolves with the financial flexibility to meet Barcelona’s asking price for Martín.

The sale of Aït-Nouri would also create a vacancy in the left-back position, making the acquisition of a player like Martín both logical and necessary for the club’s squad planning ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

A Calculated Gamble

Signing Gerard Martín would represent a calculated gamble by Wolves. On the one hand, they would be acquiring a young, technically gifted full-back trained in one of the most prestigious academies in world football—La Masia. He has experience playing in high-pressure environments and has had exposure to European competitions with Barcelona.

On the other hand, Martín has yet to establish himself as a first-choice player at the top level. His limited minutes at Barça raise questions about his readiness to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. However, the potential upside is clear, and Wolves seem confident they can unlock his full potential under Vítor Pereira’s guidance.

Vítor Pereira’s Vision

Wolves’ new manager Vítor Pereira is expected to play a central role in shaping the club’s summer transfer strategy. The Portuguese tactician is reportedly an admirer of Martín’s style and believes the player fits into his tactical framework, which relies on overlapping full-backs with strong technical and positional awareness.

Pereira’s appointment has already signaled a shift in Wolves’ footballing philosophy. The club is aiming to adopt a more expansive and possession-oriented style, and adding a player like Martín—who is comfortable on the ball and trained in Barcelona’s positional play—aligns with that vision.

Timing Could Be Key

With the summer transfer window officially opening soon, timing could be crucial in determining whether Wolves can secure the signing. Barcelona are open to offers but not desperate to sell, meaning the Molineux club may have to act swiftly and decisively if they wish to beat other potential suitors to Martín’s signature.

It’s also worth noting that Martín himself is reportedly open to staying at Barcelona, particularly if he sees a pathway to more regular playing time. But with the club prioritising Balde and other senior defenders, and Héctor Fort also in the frame, Martín’s prospects at Camp Nou may be limited.

Wolves, by contrast, can offer him not only a higher salary but also the opportunity to play week in, week out in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Conclusion

As things stand, Wolves appear to be leading the race for Gerard Martín, and all eyes will be on whether they can transform their interest into a concrete bid. The deal makes sense for both clubs: Barcelona would generate funds from the sale of a fringe player, while Wolves would fill a crucial gap in their squad with a young talent who has the tools to thrive in English football.

Should the move materialise, it would be yet another example of Premier League clubs capitalising on Barcelona’s willingness to offload promising players who lack guaranteed minutes at the Camp Nou.

With the promise of a bigger role, a better salary, and a fresh start in the Premier League, Gerard Martín may find the idea of joining Wolves too good to pass up.