Bayern Munich would ideally like to retain the current squad with a couple of additions during the next summer transfer window. However, the decision to keep all players will depend on how the contract talks progress with players that have less than two years left on the current deal. Benjamin Pavard is one of the players in the current squad that is expected to hold talks with Bayern for a new deal.
The French international is reportedly unsure about signing a new contract since he wants to play regularly in the heart of the defense. Pavard has largely played as a right-back for Die Roten since arriving at the club from VfB Stuttgart in 2019. He has been a solid performer for Bayern in the right-back position, but he has consistently expressed his desire to play in central defense.
Pavard will not be short of offers if he decides against signing a new deal at Die Roten. The Bavarian club will have to reluctantly cash in since they risk losing him on a free transfer in 2024. According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Chelsea will become an option for Pavard next summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
The Blues were linked with a move for the French international last summer, but Julian Nagelsmann convinced him to stay put in Bavaria. Chelsea will reignite their interest in the French defender during next summer if there is no breakthrough in contract negotiations with Bayern.
A move to South London will be strange for Pavard considering his desire to play in central defense. Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Wesley Fofana are expected to play ahead of him in central defense at Chelsea. He will most likely be a backup in central defense and right-back position, so moving to Stamford Bridge will not make a lot of sense for Benjamin Pavard.
There was a lot of speculation around Pavard’s future in the summer after Bayern signed Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus. The French international was hoping to play in central defense this season after Niklas Sule left Bayern to join Dortmund in the summer. However, de Ligt’s arrival reduced Pavard’s chances to play in his preferred position.
Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester United were also linked with a move for Pavard next summer. There will be significant interest in the French international next summer if Bayern fails to agree a new deal with him. Die Roten will be hoping that Nagelsmann once again convinces him to sign a new deal since they will have other areas to address in the next transfer window.
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Pavard will get his wish fulfilled to play in central defense on Wednesday against Viktoria Plzen. The French defender is set to start with Dayot Upamecano in the heart of defense since Matthijs de Ligt and Lucas Hernandez are ruled out due to injuries. Pavard’s opportunities in central defense may increase if he delivers a solid performance on Wednesday. Who knows, he may end up signing a new deal and spending the peak years of his career in Bavaria.