Bayern Munich May Have to Pay €46M for Javi Martinez

Tuesday, 21st August, 2012

Bayern Munich may have to pay up to €46M to sign Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao.

The Bavarians have been preparing to pay Martinez’ termination clause of €40M to take the player to the Allianz Arena.

But now Athletic Bilbao are stressing that it is actually €46M which needs to be paid, according to Spanish daily Marca, when the various taxes which must be applied have been taken into account.

This throws Bayern Munich’s proposed purchase of the 23-year-old into doubt, as the German giants were already stretching to the limit to afford the €40M fee, which has been thought to be exorbitant in some quarters.

Jupp Heynckes’ men have insisted however that Martinez fills a clear hole in their side which cannot easily be plugged.

Martinez, on his part, is thought to be ready to move to the Allianz Arena, with the chance to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs a real draw.

The midfielder has seen his stock rise considerably over the last 12 months as Athletic Bilbao reached the final of the Copa del Rey and Europa League respectively.

Bayern Munich meanwhile finished last season empty handed, losing in the final of the German Cup and Champions League, and finishing second in the Bundesliga.