Effenberg questions Martinez price tag

Stefan Effenberg feels Athletic Bilbao midfielder and Bayern Munich target Javi Martinez is not worth his asking price of 40 million euros.

Bayern are apparently desperate to lure the 23-year-old to the Allianz Arena, but Athletic have no intention of letting him go for anything less than his contract buy-out clause.

Former Bayern and Germany man Effenberg hopes the midfielder will make an instant impact if the move materialises, but he has his doubts about the Bilbao star’s true worth.

“I hope that he will do really well at Bayern, becomes one of the stars of the Bundesliga, and helps them to the league title,” Effenberg told TZ.

“There’s a big risk, though. I’ve been asking myself whether he’s worth this kind of money, and I don’t think that’s the case.

“It has surprised me a bit that Bayern are so desperate to get him. He is not even a regular starter for Spain. Yes, he has won the World Cup and the Euros, but he played only 25 minutes at Euro 2012.

“It’s clear that he’s not on par with the big guns like (Andres) Iniesta and Xavi. That’s why I’m wondering whether he’s worth the money.”

Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer stressed on Wednesday the transfer is by no means a done deal yet, but talks remain ongoing.