Gerard Martin hoping Hansi Flick has 'faith' in him as Barcelona defender opens up on future after promising debut season

After a sublime first season at Barca's senior team and a few transfer rumours about him leaving, 23-year-old defender Martin has publicly stated his plans to continue at the Catalan club and that he is happy working under German manager Hansi Flick.

Martin, who joined Barca's reserves side in 2023, got promoted to the senior team last season. Thanks to his performances in training, he received the opportunity to appear for Flick's side on 42 occasions across all competitions last season, amassing 1,793 minutes in total and starting 19 times. He even scored a goal in La Liga and recorded six assists, three apiece in the domestic league and the Champions League. Amidst the rumours of him leaving this summer, he told Mundo Deportivo of his desire to stay.

The defender said: "I'm very happy here, at Barca, and I don't want to leave. If the coach and the management have faith in me, I can't ask for more."

Recent rumours suggested Barca were interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo to bolster the left side of the defence. An unmoved Martin boldly stated, "These things happen a lot in all positions, and competition is good for everyone to keep improving."

Martin is currently out with a metacarpal fracture and is expected to return this month. However, it is unknown when he will start training with his team-mates.