Bayern Munich: Five players that could leave this month

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Javi Martinez of Bayern Munich in action during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Bayern Muenchen and Tottenham Hotspur at Allianz Arena on December 11, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Javi Martinez

Javi Martinez is no longer a first-choice player at Bayern Munich. The Spanish midfielder struggles to start in midfield when all other midfielders are available for selection. His lack of pace also makes him a liability in defense.

The Spaniard has been deployed in defense for the past two months due to injuries to other central defenders. Lucas Hernandez is set to return from injury after the winter break, so Die Roten will be fine in defense, making it difficult for Martinez to get regular playing time.

Martinez has been linked with a return to Athletic Bilbao, and Die Roten reportedly wants to include him in a swap deal that will involve Unai Nunez. This transfer could be the best possible solution for all the parties involved. Bayern will add depth in central defense, and Martinez will also get to play regularly.

The Spanish midfielder has been an influential figure for Bayern in the last decade. However, he is currently on a steep decline curve and possibly needs a change of scenery to get back to his best. Martinez has been ruled out for six weeks due to a thigh injury he suffered against Wolfsburg. This injury should not scupper a move if all the parties cooperate, just like Lucas Hernandez’s transfer to Bayern in March.