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If you have not heard, Bayern Munich currently have a little (a lot) congestion in the midfield. With nine midfielders competing for places, the Bavarians are actively seeking to offload midfielders. The Bayern brass have even made it clear to manager Niko Kovač that no new signings will be approved until the squad list shrinks.
Enter Carlo Ancelotti. The former Bayern boss and new Napoli manager is looking for a replacement for the recently departed defensive midfielder, Jorginho. According to Gianluca DiMarzio, a Sky Sports reporter, Ancelotti sees Javi Martinez as the perfect replacement. “The great goal would be Javi Martinez of Bayern Munich,” DiMarzio reported, adding, “Ancelotti has already coached the 29-year old in Germany.”
This is not the first Bayern player Ancelotti has shown interest in either, having been linked to a reunion with Sebastian Rudy and Arturo Vidal at different times. The Italian is clearly in the market for a holding midfielder and he is keen to raid his old club to get one.
Why this makes sense
Martinez has been workhorse for Die Roten since his arrival from Athletic Bilbao in 2012, playing as a midfield destroyer and center back. Despite his loyalty and contribution to the club, the hard-tackling Spaniard has found playing time harder to come by due to injury and competition for places. He is also getting closer to the wrong side of 30, which may make this the opportune time to sell.
Kovac is looking for a “defensive speedster” capable of playing in a back three and back four to allow for increased tactical flexibility. Martinez was never the fleetest of foot and it could be argued that he has lost a step or two over the years. As the fourth option at center back and on the outside looking in on what will be a competitive midfield battle, this move may make sense for all parties. Bayern’s Croatian manager is building a team in his image and Martinez is looking for regular first-team football and, possibly, one last pay day.
It would be sad to see Martinez leave the Bavarian capital after such a successful career with the Rekordmeister, but he, among others, could see themselves out of the first team picture.
Bayern are quickly approaching a selection crisis in the midfield. Do you think Javi should be sold? Who else should follow him out?