According to a report from Kicker, Bayern Munich are open to selling Javi Martinez in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The big changes at Bayern Munich have already begun, as Arjen Robben recently announced his departure from the club at the end of the season. The Bavarians are set to release a few more of their older players, while others are likely to be transfer listed in order to raise funds for new arrivals. Die Roten could be in for some big changes in all areas of the pitch except goalkeeper.
Javi Martinez is one of the few players whose future in Munich is uncertain. According to a report from Kicker (via Voetbalpremier), Bayern are willing to listen to offers for the Spaniard.
Bayern reportedly want to raise funds by selling Martinez in order to sign 21-year-old Frenkie de Jong from Ajax. The Dutch international has been linked with Bayern in recent weeks.
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Martinez joined Bayern Munich from Athletic Bilbao in 2012 for €40 million, then a club record fee. The Spaniard has been a key player for the club for most of the past six seasons. He has provided some much-needed solidity to Bayern’s defense, shielding it with authority and tenacity. He played a massive role in the Rekordmeister’s treble-winning campaign the season after his arrival.
Bayern sold Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Rudy in the last transfer window to create space in their crowded midfield. The club reportedly wanted to sell Thiago Alcantara as there was some interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. Thiago has become a key player for Niko Kovac, however, and he is unlikely to sell him in the next window. The player recently said he wants a long stay in Bavaria, so it would be surprising to see him leave any time soon.
On the other hand, Martinez is becoming a bit-part player under Niko Kovac. The Croatian is not in favor of using him in central defense, while he prefers his other options in holding midfield.
Martinez will turn 31 next season, and now is the right time for Bayern to get some sort of fee for him. Kicker did not name any interested clubs in Martinez, but a return to Spain or a move to the Premier League would both be good options for the Spain international.
Bayern will have a fight on their hands if they are determined to sign De Jong from Ajax next summer. The Dutchman is subject to strong interest from both Barcelona and Manchester City, while Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his progress. It seems the Bavarians’ real interest is in his Ajax teammate Matthijs De Ligt anyway.