Bayern Munich completed the $50m signing of Nabarran midfielder Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao, on Wednesday.
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Javi
Martinez signed a five-year deal with Bayern Munich, who landed the
Athletic Bilbao midfielder for a Bundesliga-record $50 million transfer
fee.
Martinez, part of the
victorious Spain squad at the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European
Championship, had a $50m release fee in his Bilbao contract, but was
required to pay the amount himself, which created huge tax liabilities
for the player and complications for the German club.
Bayern's chairman
Karl-Heinz Rummennigge described the transfer as "very complicated" and
accused Bilbao of "refusing to cooperate from the very first day" of
negotiations. "We've had tax and legal problems to solve over the last few days, but fortunately we've succeeded," he said.
"The player has made an
indirect contribution by foregoing a large sum of his salary. Our
management is convinced the player will do very well with us," he added.
Despite being only 23,
Martinez has made 201 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and was a key
member of the side that enjoyed a surprise run to the final of last
season's Europa League. The Basque native can play in central midfield,
or as a center-back.
"Bayern are one of the best teams in Europe, and the whole world," Martinez told the club's website. "There are so many top
players here, all of them fantastic footballers. That's hugely
motivating for me. And naturally, I'm looking to win trophies,"
