Roger Martinez leaves Barcelona for Al Markhiya after injury-hit campaign

Roger Martinez has left Barcelona to join Qatari second-tier side Al Markhiya in a deal that includes a percentage of any future transfer fee, following an agreement between the two clubs.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who was born in Badalona, is moving to Al Markhiya after completing his second spell with Barcelona. The transfer was reported by Sport, with the Qatari club confirming the arrival of the player through a social media announcement.

Martinez had been preparing for his second season with Barca Atletic after returning to Barcelona in the summer of 2025. He originally joined the club as a free agent and signed a two-year contract running until June 2027.

His move back to Barcelona represented a second spell with the Catalan club. Martinez had previously been part of the La Masia academy between 2013 and 2016 before returning several years later.

His first season with Barca Atletic was disrupted by a serious knee injury. Martinez suffered a tear to the lateral meniscus in his right knee and underwent surgery in early February. Initial estimates suggested he would need between five and six months to recover.

Before the injury, he had made 14 appearances for Barcelona’s reserve side, starting eight of those matches and providing two assists.

The setback prevented Martinez from building the consistency required to demonstrate the full range of his ability. Barcelona nevertheless remained satisfied with his progress and the attitude he showed during his rehabilitation, while recognising that his season had been significantly affected by the physical problem.

A move to Al Markhiya emerged as an opportunity for the midfielder to make a fresh start. The club’s project appealed to Martinez, while the Qatari league is seeking to develop its competition, attract emerging talent and offer financially attractive terms to players.

Those involved in the transfer regard the move as a valuable chance for Martinez to rediscover his previous level and take on an important role after a difficult period affected by injury. Al Markhiya have placed considerable faith in him as he begins his career in Qatar.

Martinez leaves Barcelona with his long-term prospects still regarded as promising. He will now look to regain his place at the centre of a team and reproduce the form he was unable to show consistently for Barca Atletic because of his injury.

Al Markhiya welcomed him with the message:

🇶🇦 من البلوغرانا الى المرخية… 🔥مرحبا بك روجر مارتينيز! ⚽️🇪🇸 Del Barca al Al Markhiya… 🔥¡Bienvenido, Roger Martinez! ⚽️#المرخية|#AimHigher pic.twitter.com/mjXcl9HLnG