Javi Martínez Willing To Reduce Wages To Join Athletic
Javi Martínez has asked to return to Athletic this summer (AS)
Javi Martínez wants to return to Athletic. With Bayern Munich looking to sell the 32-year-old this summer Martínez recently asked for a move back to his former club and the request has been accepted. The latest reports confirm that Athletic and Bayern are close to finalizing a deal. Bayern are said to be willing to accept a transfer fee of €8 million and it seems like just a matter a time before an agreement is reached.
However, not all reports agree. According to Iñaki Ugalde of Mundo Deportivo, Athletic haven’t been in talks with Bayern. In fact, he claims that Martínez hasn’t even reached personal terms with Athletic as others have said. Javier Ortiz De Lazcano of El Correo affirms that Bayern have lowered their asking price to €8 million, though that may still be unaffordable for Athletic.
Despite so many conflicting reports some things remain true. Martínez does want to go back to Athletic and Bayern will help facilitate a move if possible. The midfielder certainly did his part to push through a move by requesting the transfer and he’s prepared to help in other ways as well.
Martínez is reportedly willing to reduce his wages to return to Athletic, per Alfonso Herrán of AS. Last season Martínez was paid just under €8 million, far above Athletic’s range. By agreeing to take a salary reduction, Martínez strengthens the chances that he could get his move back to San Mamés this summer.
There’s no guarantee that Martínez will leave Bayern for Athletic this summer, though Bilbao is his desired destination. The player wants the move, as do Athletic, but so far an agreement has proved elusive. Ultimately, there’s still time for the two clubs to reach an agreement with the transfer window open for another month.