Bayern Munich to complete Benatia signing

DPA ©

The transfer of defender Mehdi Benatia from Serie A
side Roma to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich has been agreed,
according to Italian media reports on Tuesday.
The Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper and television channel Sky Italia
reported the clubs have agreed an initial transfer fee of 26 million
euros (34.3 million dollars) for the 27-year-old Moroccan
international. A further 4 million euros could be paid depending on
performance.
It is reported that Benatia will sign a five-year contract with
Bayern, who have not yet confirmed the transfer.
Benatia's move to Bayern has been the subject of media speculation
since Javi Martinez tore his cruciate ligaments in the Super Cup
defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Moroccan Benatia to Bayern Munich

benatia to bayern 

Amazing to be back, says Badstuber after long layoff

© Reuters

 Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber returned to the Bundesliga after a 20-month injury layoff as the champions launched their season by beating VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 on Friday.

The former Germany international, who used to be considered one of the most talented left backs in soccer, has been out since December 2012 because of two consecutive cruciate ligament tears.

"It is absolutely fantastic to be here and playing in front of a home crowd again. Amazing feeling," the 25-year-old Badstuber told reporters.

"To come back at the start of the Bundesliga and leave with a win feels so good. I've waited a long time for this and I'm extremely happy."

Badstuber, who has won 30 caps, seems set to make a quick return to the Germany team. His last appearance was in a 4-4 draw against Sweden in October 2012.

"He looks to have advanced a lot and I am certain he will join us again," said national coach Joachim Loew who watched from the stands.

Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer was delighted for Badstuber who missed the 2013 Champions League final win and Germany's World Cup title triumph last month.

"We are very happy that he is back," said Sammer

Munich's Martinez faces long absence over knee injury

DPA ©

 Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez was undergoing
medical examinations Thursday amid fears that he has suffered a
severe knee injury which would sideline him for months.
The Spaniard Martinez limped off 31 minutes into the German super cup
game the previous day at Borussia Dortmund and later said on Facebook
he was "99 per cent" sure that he has ruptured the cruciate ligament
in his left knee.
Coach Pep Guardiola also expressed fear that "he'll be out for a long
time" after Munich lost the game 2-0.
Martinez will be out for at least six months if his fears are
confirmed.