Report: Bayern mainstay Javi Martinez could be sold

Javi Martinez was once a linchpin in the lineup for Bayern Munich, but that time could be nearing an end per a report by TZ.

With the pairing of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka experiencing success as a double pivot, the Spaniard may be on the outside looking in these days when it comes to the Starting XI.

The air at Bayern Munich may now be getting thinner for Javi Martinez. The Rekordmeister’s last few games have made this trend obvious. After Niko Kovac replaced the Spaniard in the double-pivot with Leon Goretzka alongside Joshua Kimmich, the coach has appeared much more satisfied. Kimmich and Goretzka “complement each other well,” he said.

The duo of Javi and Kimmich had “not interpreted (the role) the way I had imagined,” Kovac said, particularly in Dortmund. According to Kicker (via TZ), Javi has now been demoted to a second group during the week on account of his poor form.

For Bayern, the option to sell Martinez may be the best solution. Should Kimmich make a permanent move to the defensive midfield, it would become even more crowded. Thiago Alcantara and Renato Sanches would join Kimmich and Goretzka; James Rodriguez has also sometimes filled that role, and Coretin Tolisso is anticipated to return for next season. In addition, Bayern is allegedly pursuing Dutch starlet Frenkie de Jong, which would crowd the position even further for next season should Bayern acquire the 21-year-old.