The incredible numbers that prove Wolves can forget all about Ait-Nouri by signing Gerard Martin
Wolverhampton Wanderers are setting their sights on an exciting summer rebuild, and one of their key targets is Barcelona’s emerging defensive sensation, Gerard Martin. As the Old Gold prepare for a potentially transformative transfer window, the 23-year-old Spaniard has emerged as a serious candidate to bolster the left side of the defence—particularly with Rayan Ait-Nouri seemingly on his way to Manchester City.
The winds of change are sweeping through Molineux. Behind the scenes, Wolves are undergoing a structural overhaul, with sporting director Matt Hobbs recently stepping down. In his place, Vitor Pereira is poised to assume more influence over transfer matters, working closely with renowned super-agent Jorge Mendes, Valdir Cardoso, and potentially Domenico Teti, whose appointment as technical director is reportedly imminent.
As the club reshapes its footballing hierarchy, their ambition in the transfer market appears undeterred. A number of new signings are expected this summer, and Gerard Martin stands out as one of the marquee names being considered.
Martin, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has quickly risen through the ranks and made a name for himself after stepping up to the senior team. His breakout moment came on European football’s grandest stage during the Champions League semi-finals—a tie that became an instant classic. Although Barcelona narrowly lost out to Inter Milan in a 13-goal thriller (7-6 on aggregate), Martin’s performance was a standout.
In the second leg, with the Catalans chasing a place in the final, Martin was electric. Operating with maturity beyond his years, he not only held his own defensively but was instrumental going forward—registering two assists and creating three clear chances. His efforts nearly propelled Barcelona to a stunning comeback, and many observers hailed him as one of the most influential players on the pitch that night.
Over the course of the gruelling 120-minute contest, Martin recorded 16 defensive actions—interceptions, tackles, and clearances—while contributing incisively in attack. For a player still in the early stages of his top-flight career, the performance sent a message: Gerard Martin is ready for a leading role.
It’s no surprise then that Wolves have been alerted to his potential. And with Barcelona already exploring potential replacements for Martin, there’s a genuine belief that the Premier League club’s interest could soon turn into formal negotiations.
Remarkably, Wolves could land the young full-back for a fee in the region of just £10 million—an absolute bargain given the level of quality he has already displayed. That figure, especially in today’s inflated transfer market, represents tremendous value for a player who has just signed a contract extension with one of the biggest clubs in world football.
While Martin is still a work in progress, having only one season of senior-level football under his belt, the early signs are highly encouraging. His blend of tenacity, creativity, and intelligence makes him a promising replacement for Ait-Nouri—who himself brought flair and unpredictability to the Wolves’ flank.
Under Vitor Pereira, who had reportedly been seeking to refine Ait-Nouri’s defensive attributes, Martin could become the new long-term project. The Spaniard’s natural game intelligence and willingness to both defend and support attacks align well with Pereira’s footballing philosophy.
For Wolves fans, this potential signing would not only fill a vital gap in the squad but also signify a new era of ambition and smart recruitment at the club. Bringing in a player of Martin’s calibre—especially from a club like Barcelona—would be a major statement of intent and a clear sign that Wolves are serious about building a side capable of challenging further up the Premier League table.
As Molineux prepares for a busy summer both on and off the field, the arrival of Gerard Martin would certainly be one of the most exciting developments to look forward to. The Wolves faithful may have seen him shine in the Champions League without realizing that soon, he could be dazzling in gold and black.