Transfer Rumors: World Cup Winner Leaves Bayern, Possibly Moving To Athletic Bilbao

Javi Martinez will close his nine-year spell with FC Bayern after both camps agreed to mutually sever their ties.

The Spanish midfielder was part of eight Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League and DFB Pokal crowns, establishing himself as one the best defensive midfielders in Europe.

The World Cup winner will play in Bayern’s last three assignments under the Bundesliga banner. This will be against Borussia Monchengladbach, Freiburg and Wolfsburg.

He has scored 14 goals, including last-minute efforts in Bayern's European Super Cup wins against Chelsea in 2013 and Sevilla in 2020.

“I’m very proud and happy to have been part of the FC Bayern family for nine years," Martinez said via the team’s official website. "I’d like to thank this great club and especially our fans–you have made Munich my home!”

There is still no update on what Bayern plans to do once Martinez wraps up his stint at Allianz Arena.

Board members praised the midfielder for his contributions to the club, acknowledging that the departure of Martinez would leave a big void.

“Javi Martinez is one of those people who make it clear what FC Bayern stands for. When top international players identify with our club the way he does, you can achieve great things," club president Herbert Hainer stated.

"Javi quickly became one of us, and the incredible amount of success we’ve enjoyed with him speaks for itself. Javi Martinez will always have a special place in the history of this club. We wish him all the best for his future."

Martinez joined Bayern in 2012 from Athletic Club for a record fee of $48 million. He has since appeared in 266 games across all competitions.

There is no telling where Martinez may play next, but Athletic Bilbao is said to be among the clubs interested in tapping the Spaniard, AS reported.

But given that he is coming off a good season, multiple clubs from Europe, United States and Asia are expected to try and pitch for his services.

"I am open to everything that fulfills me personally and physically. I could live and play in the USA, in Australia, or return to Spain,” Martinez stated.