The summer transfer window in 2022 witnessed intense negotiations between Bayern Munich and Barcelona for Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward was eager to join the Catalan club after winning every possible trophy with Die Roten in the last eight seasons. He eventually got the move, while Bayern received a big fee (€50 million) from Barcelona for him.
The two big European clubs could lock heads again in transfer negotiations during the next transfer window. According to Spanish journalist Javi Miguel (via iMiaSanMia), Barcelona is considering a move for Die Roten’s Benjamin Pavard. The French defender’s current deal at Bavaria is expiring in 2024, so he is likely to be on the market in the summer.
Bayern wants to extend Pavard’s deal, but the French defender is reportedly unsure about extending his stay in Bavaria. Pavard recently admitted that he would be open to hearing from interested clubs in the summer transfer window. Die Roten will hold talks with him during Ruckrunde before making a final decision.
Benjamin Pavard is eager to play in central defense if he ends up leaving Rekordmeister in the summer. The Frenchman feels much more comfortable in the heart of defense instead of the right-back position. He will not be able to get his wish fulfilled at Die Roten. The record German Champions have good depth in central defense, and Pavard has done a fine job as a right-back.
It is difficult to imagine that Barcelona will fulfill Pavard’s wish of playing regularly in central defense. The Spanish club already has Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Ronal Araujo, and Jules Kounde in the first team. Pavard is likely to be seen as a right-back by the Spanish club if a move materializes.
Apart from Barcelona, there is going to be significant interest in Pavard from various clubs. However, they might also look at him as a right-back since he has done well in this role for Die Roten at the highest level over the last three and half seasons. It will be intriguing to see how Pavard will navigate the interest of these clubs if he eventually decides to leave Bayern.
Meanwhile, Die Roten will have no other option than listen to offers for Pavard if refuses to negotiate a new contract. The Bavarian club will look to get a decent fee for him despite having only one year left on his present deal. His solid performances in the Bavarian shirt will help Bayern to command a good fee for him.
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Regardless of what happens in the summer, Benjamin Pavard has a big role to play for Bayern in Ruckrunde. With Lucas Hernandez ruled out for the rest of the season, Pavard may get more opportunities to play in central defense.