Javi Martínez “More Than Likely” To Join Athletic Club This Summer
Javi Martínez seems destined to return to Athletic this summer (Bild)
The future of Javi Martínez remains a mystery, but the situation is clear. Athletic want to bring the 32-year-old back to San Mamés, Martínez wants to return, and Bayern Munich want to sell. However, in the midst of truth rests uncertainty. Athletic have little money to spend this summer, though some reports suggest that a deal is close to being finalized. At the same time some sources maintain that there’s been no serious talks between the two clubs.
After claiming that Bayern have lowered their asking price to €8 million, BILD have since provided a new update. According to the latest report from the German outlet, Martínez is “more than likely” to return to Athletic this summer. With Bayern needing to bring in money to sign Ivan Perišić the Germans are determined to offload Martínez soon.
Martínez recently requested to return to Athletic and Bayern are willing to help facilitate an exit. Still, the Germans want to gain as much revenue as possible in the deal. Athletic hope to spend as little as possible. The transfer window is still open through 5 October, giving the two clubs time to negotiate a transfer as all parties want the move to happen.
Naturally, other clubs have shown interest in signing Martínez as well. The BILD report lists Al-Nassr as the newest club willing to pay for the World Cup winner. However, Al-Nassr just announced the signing of Pity Martínez and are now one player above the foreign maximum. With time left to negotiate and Javi Martínez willing to reduce his wages to put on the Zurigorri shirt again, it seems inevitable that a deal will be reached this summer.