The first team squad is shaping up nicely at Bayern Munich after some great work by the transfer committee this window. The Bavarian club has already clinched five signings and remains in talks to sign Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig.
Die Roten improved options in the heart of defense by signing Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus. The Dutch defender became the second most expensive transfer in the German club’s history. The arrival of de Ligt has led to speculation around the future of Benjamin Pavard. The French defender is being heavily linked with a move away from Bavaria.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Pavard is on the list of center-backs of Chelsea. The English club has missed out on two targets as Barcelona and Bayern won the race to sign Jules Kounde and de Ligt, respectively. Chelsea remains in the market for a center-back. Pavard fits the bill, so a move could definitely take place if the English club’s interest becomes more concrete.
Bayern may not stand in between a move for Pavard despite Oliver Kahn insisting that they want to keep all defenders despite de Ligt’s arrival. The French international also remained tightlipped about his future when he was asked in the mixed zone after the pre-season friendly against Manchester City.
Benjamin Pavard asked about his future, he laughed briefly and said: "I don't know, honestly" [@kerry_hau]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) July 24, 2022
Benjamin Pavard has consistently insisted that he would like to play in the heart of the defense. The French defender has largely played as a right-back since arriving from Stuttgart three years ago. He was expected to play in central defense next season due to the departure of Niklas Sule. However, the arrival of de Ligt will make it difficult for him to get game time in central defense.
Apart from not playing central defense, Pavard may also not be the first-choice right-back from next season. The Bavarian club has signed Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax for this position. The Moroccan full-back is an attacking option on the right side of the back four, so Pavard may have to settle for a squad role next season.
In a World Cup year, playing less could hamper Pavard’s chances of playing for France in Qatar. The Frenchman may look for a departure if he doesn’t start for Die Roten in the first two weeks of the season.
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From Bayern’s point of view, this is the ideal time to cash in for Benjamin Pavard since he has two years left on his current contract. Considering his consistency in the last three years, they can end up making a profit on him. The next few weeks will decide the fate of the Frenchman’s future in Bavaria.