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Bayern Munich: The latest in Benjamin Pavard transfer rumors

By Kiran Thakare

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 10: Benjamin Pavard of France runs with the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between Belgium and France at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 10, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 10: Benjamin Pavard of France runs with the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between Belgium and France at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 10, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Though they’ve reportedly already agreed a deal for 2019, Bayern Munich could purchase Benjamin Pavard from VfB Stuttgart in this transfer window.

Bayern Munich are set to play their first ’18-19 pre-season game on Saturday against Paris Saint-Germain. Though the season is nearing closer and closer to kick-off, the Bavarians are still looking to improve their squad. The German champions have been heavily linked with a move for Benjamin Pavard in recent months, who is now free to sort his future at VfB Stuttgart after winning the World Cup with France.

According to a report by SWR (an overwhelmingly reliable source for Stuttgart-related news), Bayern Munich are in negotiations to sign Pavard. The Frenchman has already agreed personal terms with the German champions.

This report reveals that Bayern is trying to bring Pavard in this summer, despite the player already agreeing a deal for 2019. It is also suggested that Stuttgart might try to keep Pavard on loan for the next season if Bayern do opt to purchase the player.

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Pavard reportedly has a release clause of €35 million in his contract at Stuttgart. This clause can be activated by clubs in 2019, and many reports in Germany suggest that Bayern have already made the decision to activate this clause.

After a good World Cup campaign, however, Pavard will no doubt attract interest from other big European clubs. Bayern could be forced to pay a greater fee if they want Pavard’s signature this summer.

In other news, Niko Kovac praised Pavard in his press-conference, which further suggests that the club is genuinely interested in the defender. The Croatian didn’t give too much detail into a potential transfer, but he certainly left the door open.

The Frenchman played a pivotal part for his country in their quest of winning the World Cup. He was deployed at right-back by Didier Deschamps, despite most often featuring as a center-back for Stuttggart. In an unfamiliar position, Pavard kept on improving throughout the tournament. He also scored an important and memorable goal against Argentina in the round of 16.

Pavard has played in the heart of defense for Stuttgart as part of a three-man backline. The French international was one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga last season. He is not only solid in his defensive duties, but he is also excellent on the ball and has a superb passing range. Moreover, his performances at the World Cup show that he is tactically flexible and can deliver good performances in many different systems.

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The German champions have a very good right-back in the form of Joshua Kimmich. It is unlikely that Pavard will dislodge him in the starting lineup. Instead, Bayern Munich will probably use Pavard in a central defensive role as a replacement for Jerome Boateng. The Bavarians are apparently ready to cash in for the German international if a big offer arrives this summer. Boateng is also keen on a new adventure in different league. But if Bayern fails to offload him this summer, then Stuttgart will have a good chance to keep Pavard for one more year.

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