Bayern Munich Transfer News: Benjamin Pavard in 'Active Discussions' with Club
July 17, 2018
France World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard is on Bayern Munich's radar, according to RMC (h/t Get French Football News). The Bundesliga giants are said to be in "active discussions" with representatives of the versatile Stuttgart ace, who can play both right-back or as a central defender.
The report indicated Die Roten would need to pay as much as €50 million to secure the 22-year-old's services.
Interest in Pavard is growing, with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur recently linked with the 22-year-old as a possible replacement for Toby Alderweireld, per Neil Moxley of the Sunday Mirror.
It makes sense for some of Europe's top clubs to be keen on a young talent who acquitted himself superbly at the World Cup. Pavard started six games for Les Bleus and scored one of the best goals of the tournament when his spectacular volley helped see off Argentina 4-3 in an instant classic in the Round of 16.
By helping his nation claim the trophy, Pavard maintained an incredible winning run at international level:
His performances and accolades in Russia also continued what's been a rapid rise for a player who helped Stuttgart finish a respectable seventh in the German top flight last season:
As a standout defender who is also adept going forward, Pavard's future looks bright, especially if Bayern push ahead with a deal. The Bavarian side remain at the forefront of the European game largely thanks to the way they stockpile the best burgeoning stars the Bundesliga has to offer.
Bayern continued the trend last summer by signing Hoffenheim duo Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Sule. The latter is a bruising centre-back, still just 22, who could become the foundation of a new-look defence in Munich.
Adding Pavard next to Sule would be a strong way for Bayern to begin a necessary refresh of a back four ageing at key positions. In particular, Jerome Boateng is 30 in September, while fellow centre-back Mats Hummels will reach the same age in mid-December.
New Bayern coach Nico Kovac has to think about the future. If Die Roten want to stay ahead of the curve, snapping up Pavard ahead of what's sure to be a crowded field of interested clubs would be a great way to start.