Barcelona midfielder Roger Martinez completes move to Qatar’s Al Markhiya

Barcelona midfielder Roger Martinez has joined Qatar Second Division club Al Markhiya after the two clubs reached an agreement that includes a percentage of any future sale.

The 22-year-old leaves Barcelona to begin a new chapter in Qatar, with the move reported by Spanish newspaper Sport. Al Markhiya believe the transfer offers Martinez the opportunity to play a central role after a difficult period disrupted by injury.

Martinez, who was born in Badalona, had been preparing for his second season with Barcelona Atletic after returning to the Catalan club in the summer of 2025. He joined Barcelona on a free transfer and signed a two-year contract running until June 2027.

This was his second spell with the club. Martinez had previously been part of the La Masia academy between 2013 and 2016 before eventually returning to Barcelona.

His first season back with Barcelona Atletic was significantly affected by a serious knee injury. He 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, Martinez had made 14 appearances for the reserve side, starting eight of those matches and providing two assists.

The setback prevented him from building the consistency required to show the full range of his ability. However, Barcelona’s management are understood to be satisfied with his progress and the attitude he displayed during his rehabilitation, while recognising the significant impact the injury had on his campaign.

Al Markhiya’s project ultimately convinced Martinez to make the move. Qatar’s second tier is seeking to develop further and attract promising players, while the club also presented financially attractive terms.

Those involved in the deal regard the transfer as a valuable opportunity for Martinez to regain his previous level and play an important role after several challenging months. Al Markhiya have placed considerable faith in the midfielder as he looks to return to regular football and rediscover the form he was unable to display consistently for Barcelona Atletic.

The move brings Martinez’s second period with Barcelona to an end and gives him an entirely different footballing experience in Qatar. Despite the departure, he is still viewed as a player with a promising future and will now aim to rebuild his momentum with Al Markhiya.

The club welcomed him on social media with the message: “🇶🇦 من البلوغرانا الى المرخية… 🔥مرحبا بك روجر مارتينيز! ⚽️🇪🇸 Del Barca al Al Markhiya… 🔥¡Bienvenido, Roger Martinez! ⚽️#المرخية|#AimHigher”