Javi Martinez

[megager]

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has lined up Athletic Bilbao Javi Martinez midfielder as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso. Bilbao want £10m for the 20-year-old.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Anyone know much about him?

[Badman]

not much - but if the football of late has told us anything, then even an average spanish midfielder is better than anything in england. he has been linked with us earlier in the season...i'd still prefer to keep alonso as we need proven quality for the assualt on the title next seaon...and not go down the arsenal road with the 'potential' and 'for the future' lark

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

From Sky:


Athletic Bilbao insist they have received no approach from Liverpool for Javi Martinez.

The midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield of late, with Rafa Benitez reported to be ready to return to Spain in search of new recruits.

The Reds are believed to have had scouts run the rule over 20-year-old Martinez on a number of recent outings, and have been suitably impressed by what they have seen.

A big-money move has been widely touted, but Bilbao claim no such offer has been forthcoming.

"We know there is interest from some clubs in Javi Martinez, and that Liverpool have sent scouts to matches, but the club has received no bids," a spokesman for the Basque club told skysports.com.

History
"We have no intention of selling him, but it is normal that we will study any offers that are made."

Martinez, meanwhile, has admitted that he would welcome the prospect of a switch to Anfield.

"The rumours are not affecting me. I am very calm," he said.

"If an offer is received, then I will speak with the club.

"Liverpool are a great club with a great history and any player would like to be in their squad."

[edcarroll02]

"If an offer is received, then I will speak with the club.

"Liverpool are a great club with a great history and any player would like to be in their squad."

Sounds like he's ours if we want him, don't know much about him but spain is where Rafa seems to do his best business.

[Kiltyred]

Well he became a legend for us when I signed him in Football Manager! Part of the team that won 4 Leagues on the trot! :D

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Well he became a legend for us when I signed him in Football Manager! Part of the team that won 4 Leagues on the trot! :D

Thats good enough for me-Rafa,break the bank for him:D

[4tothefloor]

Well he became a legend for us when I signed him in Football Manager! Part of the team that won 4 Leagues on the trot! :D
You should throw you're hat in the ring for the Celtic job :D

[Fowler's God]

Can see this happening if Alonso does leave.

[Kiltyred]

You should throw you're hat in the ring for the Celtic job :D

See technically it wasn't me that managed them. It was a Brazillian dude called Paolo Solado.:p I also won 2 Champions' leagues and an FA Cup as Alan Hansen. Lost the league by a point as him to Chelsea!:mad:

Had to wait until 2019 to win the first league title on it, I hope it doesn't take that long in real life!

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez says it would be difficult to turn down a move to Liverpool, should Rafael Benitez's side come calling this summer.

The highly-rated 20-year-old has made more than 90 league appearances for the Basque outfit since arriving from Osasuna in 2006, earning international honours with Spain at U19 and U21 level.

And the youngster's performances have led to speculation that former Valencia boss Benitez is weighing up a summer bid for the starlet as a potential replacement for fellow countryman Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal.

However, Martinez insists he is taking no notice of rumours linking him with a move away, but conceded a transfer to Anfield would be an attractive proposition.

"I am absolutely calm, the rumours do not disturb me," he said.

"Liverpool are a great team with a great history and any player would like to go there.

"If I receive an offer, I will deal with it with the club."


From the little Ive seen of him he looks strong,fast and powerful (stood out physically in la liga anyway),tidy in posession but has nowhere near xabi's passing range.Looks like he could go on to be a quality player alright but is nowhere near ready to come in and fill xabis boots at this stage of his career Id say.