The wacky world of football transfers is at it again as conflicting reports have emerged regarding the future of Javi Martinez with Bayern Munich. Per a report from Spanish outlet La Razon, Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has agreed to personal terms with Real Sociedad.
The two clubs, however, are allegedly still working through a transfer fee and are reportedly approximately €5 million apart. Real Sociedad would like to pay €10 million for Martinez, while Bayern Munich is holding out for €15 million. Regardless, it is clear that the venerable veteran will almost assuredly be leaving Bavaria in the coming weeks.
German journalist Kerry Hau, however, hit Twitter to dispute the story, apparently after consulting Martinez’s agent:
Das Management von Javi #Martínez weist die Gerüchte um einen bevorstehenden Wechsel des Mittelfeldspielers zu Real Sociedad klar zurück. Bisher hat es nicht einmal eine Kontaktaufnahme der Basken mit dem Spieler gegeben. #FCBayern
— Kerry Hau (@kerry_hau) August 27, 2020
The management of Javi #Martínez clearly rejects rumors of the midfielder’s upcoming move to Real Sociedad. So far, the Basque club have not even contacted the player. #FCBayern
Hau continued:
Das Management von Javi #Martínez weist die Gerüchte um einen bevorstehenden Wechsel des Mittelfeldspielers zu Real Sociedad klar zurück. Bisher hat es nicht einmal eine Kontaktaufnahme der Basken mit dem Spieler gegeben. #FCBayern
— Kerry Hau (@kerry_hau) August 27, 2020
For #Martínez It was always clear: if I go back to Spain, then to Bilbao. A switch to Athletic is currently not likely. The club can neither afford the player’s salary nor the rumored transfer of 10-15 million euros. #FCBayern
Whatever the case, Martinez is expected to leave Bavaria at some point over the next few weeks. The 31-year-old midfielder, who many consider an integral player in the club’s recent history, simply does not have a role as the squad transitions to a younger generation. With Philippe Coutinho headed back to FC Barcelona after his loan spell has ended and Thiago Alcantara also rumored to be leaving Bayern Munich this summer, a move by Martinez would represent a true changing of the guard as Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka look to be the new standard-bearers in the central midfield.
The midfield depth for the “6” and “8” positions, however, does not end with Kimmich and Goretzka. Corentin Tolisso looks as if he may also remain in Bavaria after all, despite previous rumors that he would leave, while youngsters Michael Cuisance and Adrian Fein also figure to be in the mix. Defenders David Alaba and Tanguy Nianzou can also slide into the central midfield if needed as well. Thomas Muller will retain his role as the team’s “10” in the midfield, where Cuisance could also see time.