Javi Martinez’s future lies away from Bayern Munich
Javi Martinez keeps his options open as Bayern Munich exit looks inevitable.
Bayern Munich is looking certain to bid farewell to few players in the summer transfer window. The club took similar tough decisions last summer by offloading four senior players. Javi Martinez is likely to be one of the few players that will not be donning Bavarian colours next season.
The Spanish midfielder is entering the final year of his contract. Martinez is on the wrong side of 30, and there are many players ahead of him in both center-back and midfield positions. It will be harsh for him to spend a complete season on the bench next year.
Martinez still has a good amount of football left in him. He still has few injury problems every season, but his quality can be very helpful for many good European clubs. There is unlikely to be a lack of suitors for him if he becomes available in the summer transfer window.
The Spaniard has finally spoken about his future in Bavaria. In an interview with Marca this week, Martinez admitted that he would sit down with Die Roten at the end of the season to decide on his future. He is open to playing outside Europe if there is a good opportunity arises.
"“I have to sit down and speak with Bayern. My contract ends in 2021. I’m ready for anything.”“If that happens, I’m open to anything. I’m not ruling anything out – anything that fulfills me personally and sporting-wise. Maybe playing and living in the United States, in Australia, returning to Spain… I’ve still got football left in me.”"
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Martinez also kept the door open to returning Spain and play for Athletic Bilbao. He has been frequently linked with a move to Bilbao. The Spanish club has publicly admitted that they would like to bring Martinez back to the club.
The 31-year-old midfielder joined Die Roten in 2012. He was the final piece of the jigsaw that helped Die Roten to bring the Champions League trophy back to Allianz Arena. Martinez has been a reliable player for Rekordmeister in the past eight seasons, filling in the center-back and midfield positions. His consistency has been pivotal to Die Roten’s success over the years.
At the moment, the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Thiago Alcantara are ahead of Martinez in the midfield. Moreover, the German club also has immense quality and depth in the center-back position, making it difficult for Martinez to get regular playing time. It is the right time for Martinez to part ways for Die Roten and explore a new adventure in his career.
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Apart from his future, Martinez also talked about the charity work he has been doing in Munich during the coronavirus pandemic. The Spanish midfielder recently made his comeback from a serious injury in December. He will be hoping to end this campaign with few appearances and trophies before making a final call on his future.