Replacing Rayan Ait-Nouri won’t be easy this summer – Wolves, though, seem to have found their man in Gerard Martin.
Ait-Nouri’s move to Man City is set to be completed in the coming days, leaving Vitor Pereira without a starting left-back.
Barcelona’s Gerard Martin has been earmarked by Wolves as a possible replacement, with the Molineux outfit keen on the Spaniard.
News of Wolves’ interest has since been followed by reports that Barcelona are now shortlisting replacements for Martin, with Alejandro Grimaldo high on Hansi Flick’s wishlist.
So, with the Spanish giants seemingly willing to sell Martin this summer, it begs the question as to how much the left-back will cost Wolves.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Wolves given Gerard Martin price tag
At 23 years old, Martin has just enjoyed a breakout season in Catalonia, making 42 appearances in total.
Featuring in place of the injured Alejandro Balde, Martin’s impressive performances meant Barcelona initially had no intention of selling him this summer. That feeling, however, has since changed.
24/25 stats Apps (starts) Goals Assists
Gerard Martin 42 (19) 1 6
According to Spanish publication SPORT, the Catalan club would be willing to part ways with the left-back if an offer over £10 million arrives.
MORE WOLVES STORIES
That sort of fee would no doubt be music to the ears of Fosun, with Wolves set to receive £36m for Ait-Nouri from Manchester City.
Martin could be a potential bargain for Wolves
It will be almost impossible for Wolves to replace Ait-Nouri’s standout performances. Martin, however, could more than help fill the void.
Despite being played as a more conventional left-back at Barca, Martin’s stats profile quite similarly to Ait-Nouri’s from this season.
Both players are extremely creative going forward, whether that be playing the pass or receiving the pass.
24/25 stats Gerard Martin Rayan Ait-Nouri
Minutes played 1,038 3,109
Assists 0.26 0.20
Progressive passes 3.48 3.13
Shot creating actions 2.26 1.62
Progressive carries 0.87 2.58
Tackles + interceptions 1.13 0.75
Ball recoveries 3.65 4.20
Stats per 90. Credit: FBref
In terms of defence, not much separates the two, with the pair both putting up similar numbers in their defensive work.
Ait-Nouri does blow Martin out of the water in terms of progressive carries, but if the Spaniard can work on the dribbling side of his game, he could be a very astute pickup for Wolves this summer.