As recently as this morning, the deal was up in the air, but now, FC Bayern has confirmed the move: Javi Martinez has joined the club. He turned over his buy-out check to the Spanish authorities, and apparently it was accepted. His physical was already passed, and now he on the way back to Germany to join the club full-time.
Honestly, this was a pretty exhausting 2 weeks (especially considering ... you know, I have a real job, and all), but it feels good to see the deal finally go through. You can question whether we really need him, you can certainly say we overpaid, but there's no doubt he can play ball. With the tough schedule we'll have (especially once CL play starts), the number of injuries we had last year and early this year, and the fact that he can play multiple positions, this helps Bayern's chances immensely, in my opinions.
If everyone is fit and healthy, my hunch is that Javi and Bastian Schweinsteiger play next to each other at the CDM positions, with Kroos as the midfield super-sub (can sub for either of them, or for Thomas Müller in the CAM spot), Gustavo as the defensive super-sub (can sub for Bastian or Martinez, or at one of the CB spots), and Tymoshuck the one losing most of his playing time. Disappointing, given how hard he's worked and some of the good things Tymo has done, but I have a hunch we'll still find a way to work him into a few matches.
It's doubtful that Javi will be on the field against Stuttgart this weekend. But, it is a Sunday game, so I wouldn't rule out a few minutes off the bench.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is the CL Group Stage draw, so we'll be here to cover that and see who Bayern will face this fall. Stay with us, and take part in the poll, if you're interested.