10 most expensive signings by Bayern Munich

#1 Javi Martinez - €40 million

The versatile player can play in central midfield or the heart of the defence

The highest transfer in Bundesliga history till date, Bayern Munich fought off competition from clubs like Barcelona to sign Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2012. Bilbao were unwilling to sell but Bayern were relentless, determined and unmoved in their pursuit, despite their advances being warded off several times. Their perseverance paid off, as Martinez played a major role in his debut season in which Bayern ended up winning the treble.

Subsequent seasons followed, his fitness dipped a little, and lengthy injury layoffs have hit his form, but the club hierarchy trust his qualities and have not hesitated to tie him to a new contract till 2021.