Bayern Munich: Julian Nagelsmann wants to keep Benjamin Pavard
Julian Nagelsmann was eager to strengthen the defense this summer for Bayern Munich after it was clear that Niklas Sule would not be signing a contract extension. The German defender ran down his deal and joined Borussia Dortmund this summer. After his departure, Nagelsmann wanted to add a defender that could become a leader at the back.
Die Roten obliged and swiftly concluded a deal for their long-term target Matthijs de Ligt. The German Champions reached an agreement with Juventus earlier this month to seal the signing of the Dutch defender.
The arrival of de Ligt has raised question marks over the future of Benjamin Pavard in Bavaria. The French international has been linked with a move to Chelsea, while Atletico Madrid has also shown interest in him. However, Nagelsmann does have a completely different opinion on Pavard’s future.
According to Sport1, Nagelsmann is eager to keep hold of Benjamin Pavard for next season. The German coach appreciates the solidity and reliability of Pavard. Meanwhile, this report from Sport1 has insisted that Hasan Salihamidzic is open to listening offers for the French defender.
Benjamin Pavard has largely played in the right-back position for Bayern in the last three seasons. The Frenchman has previously expressed interest in playing in his favoured position, which is in the heart of the defense.
Earlier this year, it did look like Pavard’s wish of playing in central defense at Die Roten will be fulfilled next season. Bayern was far from signing a new center-back as priority target Andreas Christensen had agreed to a move to Barcelona. Rekordmeister was not expected to sign a central defender, which would have allowed Pavard to compete with the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez, and Tanguy Nianzou in the heart of the defense.
However, things have changed dramatically in the summer transfer window. The arrival of de Ligt will significantly reduce Pavard’s chances of playing as a center-back for Die Roten. He is expected to start the season as a first-choice right-back, but Noussair Mazraoui is likely to play more regularly in this position as the season progresses.
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Benjamin Pavard may consider an option to leave if the interested club offers him the chance to play regularly in central defense. However, there are no concrete negotiations underway for his departure. The next few weeks will be pivotal for deciding Pavard’s immediate future in Bavaria, as interested clubs may start making bids for him.