Javi Martinez: Bayern Munich Beat Manchester City to Midfield Star

Bayern Munich have beaten English club Manchester City to the signing of Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez, according to a Manchester Evening News report on Wednesday. 

The 23-year-old excelled as a defensive midfielder with Athletic Bilbao from 2006 to 2012, scoring goals and possessing the ball with comfort.

According to ESPN.com via Stephan Uersfeld, Maritnez "has a €40 million release clause in his Athletic contract," which would make his transfer to Bayern a German record. 

What It Means

Bayern Munich have acquired a solid midfield piece in Martinez, and one that could help them finish the job next season after coming up short against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final last May. 

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini and Manchester City miss out on adding a crucial young player with loads of potential. 

If City fail to repeat as English Premier League champions in 2012-13, they will perhaps consider this summer's whiff on Martinez as a potential reason.

City have likely been outdone by rival Manchester United, who look to be the favorites in the EPL this year after adding lethal striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

What Happens Next

Martinez will join Bayern this season and attempt to add another dimension to their midfield play. 

He scored 22 goals and tallied six assists in over 200 Spanish La Liga appearances for Athletic dating back to 2006 as a teenager. 

Martinez even boasts vital international experience with the Spanish national team.

Bayern will now have an added boost to overtake Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga this season. They finished eight points back of the champions last year.

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