Barcelona youth team midfielder set to join Al-Markhiya in Qatar after injury-hit season
Roger Martinez is set to leave Barcelona after just one season with Barça Atlètic, with the midfielder closing in on a move to Qatar side Al-Markhiya, according to SPORT.
The transfer is expected to be completed shortly, with an official announcement potentially coming soon.
For Martinez, the move offers an opportunity to restart his career after an injury-hit campaign severely limited his involvement with Barcelona’s reserve side.
The 22-year-old returned to Barça in the summer of 2025, beginning his second spell at the club after previously spending three years at La Masia between 2013 and 2016.
He arrived as a free agent and signed a two-year contract running until June 2027.
Despite those plans, however, his time with Barça Atlètic took a different path.
Martinez’s Barcelona journey derailed by knee injury
Martinez’s first season back at Barcelona was heavily affected by a serious knee problem.
The midfielder suffered a tear of the external meniscus in his right knee and underwent surgery at the beginning of February.
The initial recovery estimate was between five and six months, effectively ruling him out for a substantial part of the campaign.
Before the injury, Martinez had made 14 appearances for Barça Atlètic, starting eight of those matches and registering two assists.
The limited run of games meant he never had the opportunity to build the consistency required to demonstrate his qualities over a sustained period.
Why Al-Markhiya appealed to Roger Martinez
Barcelona are understood to be pleased with Martinez’s recovery and have also appreciated his attitude throughout a difficult period.
The club recognise that his season was mostly influenced by the injury rather than a lack of commitment or progress.
Now, Al-Markhiya’s project has convinced Martinez, with the Qatari club looking to develop its standing within the competition and attract more talent.
At the same time, the financial terms are also considered attractive.
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