Wednesday, 29th August, 2012
Bayern Munich have completed the capture of Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao for a club record fee of €40M.
The Bavarian giants have paid the defensive midfielder’s release clause in order to tempt him to the Allianz Arena and leave Athletic Bilbao powerless.
Martinez has inked a five-year contract with the 2012 Champions League finalists and was quick to express his delight at having joined Jupp Heynckes’ men.
"I’m very happy and I am looking forward to playing for a club with such an illustrious history", the Spain international told Bayern Munich’s official website after penning his contract.
"I have had a very long wait [for this transfer].
"Finally the wait is over."
Martinez is rated as one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football, but there has still been surprise at the amount Bayern Munich have been willing to pay for the 23-year-old.
The player was also chased by Barcelona, who baulked at the fee demanded by Athletic Bilbao to release their prize asset.
Bayern Munich will hope that Martinez is the missing piece in the jigsaw which allows the side to overhaul Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
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