Benjamin Pavard is actually considered a change candidate at Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, the defender under head coach Julian Nagelsmann continues to play an important role. Ironically, the Frenchman could also benefit from the arrival of new signing Joao Cancelo.
There could have been a big bang at FC Bayern on Deadline Day. According to consistent media reports, Inter Milan were planning to sign Benjamin Pavard.
However, the German record champions let the Nerazzurri down – and for good reason.
Pavard is very popular with head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The 26-year-old has played 24 competitive games for FC Bayern this season and was mostly in the starting XI.
FC Bayern: noise from Benjamin Pavard
Nevertheless, Pavard caused noise in the past few months. Before the World Cup in Qatar, the defender publicly toyed with saying goodbye to FC Bayern.
“I’m not against discovering a new project. Maybe now is the time. Why not discover a new country, a new culture?” Pavard said in an interview with the French “L’Équipe”.
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn immediately countered. “With us, nobody can initiate their departure with statements, especially not in public. We don’t have that,” said the 53-year-old in the “Sky” interview.
According to the “kicker” Pavard hopes to move to FC Barcelona.
The Catalans could take advantage of his contract situation. Pavard is only tied to Bayern Munich until 2024.
According to information from “AS”, the defensive man would be available for the comparatively low transfer fee of 15 million euros.
On Säbener Straße they have not yet given up the fight for Pavard, at least to the outside world – especially not Julian Nagelsmann.
“I’m planning with Benjamin like I’ve been doing in the last few months. He’s still an important part,” said the coach before the round of 16 in the DFB Cup at FSV Mainz 05.
Benjamin Pavard benefits from new signing from FC Bayern
In the knockout duel with the Rheinhessen, the Munich trainer set up his protégé from the start, in a back three in the center of defence. Instead, newcomer Joao Cancelo worked on the right outside.
Thanks to the loan from Manchester City, Pavard will probably be permanently rid of the unloved role of right-back at Bayern Munich. Instead, he is more likely to be deployed in his favorite position in central defence.
Should Nagelsmann permanently rely on a three-man formation on defense, Pavard would be the first option alongside compatriot Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt. Winter newcomer Daley Blind is available as a backup.
It remains to be seen whether Pavard will move the prospect as a central defender to rethink his sporting future.
“Of course we will hold talks,” announced Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic during the past training camp in Qatar. Pavard is “a very important player for us and we still have big plans together,” said Salihamidzic. “As he told me, he feels very comfortable at Bayern.”
Jannik Kube