Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Barcelona began the 2024/25 La Liga season on a winning note, defeating Valencia 2-1 away at Mestalla, riding on a Robert Lewandowski brace.
However, the biggest talking point of the night was the youth talent involved in the game, as Barcelona manager Hansi Flick relied heavily on youngsters in his first official match in charge.
Marc Bernal, one of the crown jewels of La Masia, made his debut against Valencia, that too as part of the starting XI.
Pau Victor, who scored 20 goals for Barça Atletic last season and impressed Hansi Flick in pre-season as top scorer, also got his maiden official senior appearance.
Along with them, another player – Gerard Martin – also made his first-team debut for the Blaugrana, although it might have gone a bit under the radar.
A new contract
Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are already assessing the possibility of offering Martin a new contract.
The 22-year-old’s current deal, which he signed last year, runs until the summer of 2025, although Barça have retained the option of unilaterally extending it by another year.
However, in light of his evolution, the Catalan club are considering tying him down with a new deal that would come with improved terms.
Martin’s consistency, evolution and professionalism are valued by Barcelona, prompting them to evaluate the possibility of a renewal.
A night to remember
Gerard Martin, a 22-year-old left-back, signed for Barcelona only last year, arriving from Cornella, and went on to make a good impression for Barça Atletic under Rafa Marquez.
Called up for pre-season by Hansi Flick, the Spaniard took his chances and impressed the management in the US friendlies, even moving past Alex Valle as the second-choice left-back behind Alejandro Balde.
As such, when the La Masia defender got injured, Martin came on a little after the hour mark at Mestalla, to mark his senior debut for Barcelona.
Celebrating the landmark appearance on his social media, Martin wrote: “Very happy for my official debut in La Liga with FC Barcelona, a dream come true since I was a little boy, thanks for the support, long live Barça!”
A renewal now would be the ideal way for the youngster to celebrate his breakthrough
