Rummenigge says Javi Martinez and Thiago are likely to leave Bayern; Tolisso expected to fill the role

In a recent interview with AZ, Bayern Munich’s chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge gave his opinion on the transfer situations of the club’s Spanish midfield duo, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara. While Rummenigge expects the duo to likely leave the club; Corentin Tolisso is reported to stay and be their probable replacement in the middle of the park.

While on the transfer topic of Javi Martinez, Rummenigge had nothing but appreciation for the aging midfield destroyer’s qualities, as well as his long and loyal service at the club.

Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images

Acknowledging Javi’s interest to move when a suitable offer is available, the club chairman affirmed that they would look for a solution that would suit the player. Rummenigge was quoted saying:

“We know that he would like to leave in the case of a suitable offer. And we wouldn’t place any obstacle in his way, because he has always been a good player and a reliable, serious person. We will always try to find a solution in the interest of the player.”

While Javi Martinez’s has had a definite decline, on the other hand, Thiago Alcantara is playing his best football and going strong while nearing the 30 year mark. Stressing on that very number, Rummenigge recounted Thiago’s football journey, and his move from one of the biggest clubs in world football — Barcelona to another at the very same level, Bayern Munich. Rummenigge emphasized that it would be understandable if Thiago now wished to move to another top club, possibly in England.

Rummenigge had this to say about the midfield maestro’s transfer situation:

“Thiago is 29 now; as soon as he reaches 30, it will be more difficult for him to find a top club in Europe. Thus we must be a little understanding. Thiago had a top club in Spain, a top club in Germany, maybe he’d like one more in England.”

Photo by A. Hassenstein/Getty Images for FC Bayern

With two of the club's long serving midfielders possibly gone before the new season, an opportunity arises for another Bayern midfielder who has been rumoured to leave — Corentin ‘Coco’ Tolisso. The versatile French midfielder’s journey at the club has been riddled with injuries. Unable to get continuous and consistent periods of play, Coco hasn’t been able to cement his position in the starting eleven in his three years at the club.

Nonetheless, the departures of Thiago and Javi open up a lot of room and opportunity for the 26-year-old to prove his place in the squad — should he continue to stay at Bayern, which is hinted by a tweet of the author of the same AZ interview article.

Maximilian Koch on whether Tolisso will stay at Bayern or not:

Yes, Coco stays.

Despite KHR's statements, there haven't been any offers for Thiago or Javi Martinez or even Tolisso for that matter for a transfer to happen, so it would be safe to wait after the Champions League comes to a conclusion. Only then will these situations become clearer and give a better picture of what the board has planned for the future of the club's roster — after considering concrete offers if they come in for the players in concern.