Barcelona Transfer News: Javi Martinez Would Be a Great Defensive Addition

Athletic Bilbao star Javi Martinez would be a strong addition to the Barcelona defense, and joining the Catalan club would be the best move for his career.

Per Yahoo Sports:

"Martinez has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou but the 40m euros price tag slapped on him by his club has so far deterred the Catalan giant from making its interest any more formal."

While paying 40 million euros would be a poor decision by Barcelona, they would be wise to attempt to persuade Bilbao to accept a lower price.

Barcelona's center back tandem of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol is fantastic, but Puyol has battled injury problems over the last year or so, and at 34 years old he is certainly on the downside of his career. It's time to look for his future replacement. Martinez is capable of replacing Puyol long term.

One advantage for Martinez if he is willing to join Barcelona is that he would be able to play in the Champions League.

For him to take his career to the next level, he must play and shine in Europe's biggest club tournament. Athletic Bilbao will not play in the Champions League next season after finishing 10th in La Liga last year.

The best decision for Martinez is to leave Bilbao and go to Barcelona, where he would thrive on defense and play in the Champions League.