Athletic Club Finalizing Transfer Deal For Javi Martínez

Javi Martínez could sign with Athletic “in a matter of hours”. (BL)

Javi Martínez’s return to Athletic is imminent. For the past 18 months the Basque giants have been working to bring the 32-year-old back to San Mamés and Martínez has openly shared his desire to put on the Zurigorri shirt once again. With just one year left on his contract, Bayern Munich planned to offload the midfielder this summer and a deal should be completed soon.

Initially, Bayern demanded a transfer fee of €15 million. Numerous clubs showed interest in signing Martínez and the Germans had hoped to cash in to avoid losing the midfielder for free next season. However, Martínez recently asked that Bayern help facilitate a move back to his former club. His request has been granted.

Athletic and Bayern are finalizing a deal for a fee of less than €10 million, per Marca. An agreement could be settled “in a matter of hours” and may come in as low as €8 million, per German outlet BILD. Martínez has already agreed to personal terms with Athletic and will sign a two-year contract that could include an optional third year.

Unable to afford Bayern’s asking price, Athletic refused to pay more than €10 million for the transfer. A few days ago it seemed as though the club would be unable to sign Martínez this summer, but the request to return to San Mamés helped push through a deal. Barring any unforeseen changes, Javi Martínez will be returning to Athletic.

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