Benjamin Pavard Denies Bayern Munich Deal Amid Reported Liverpool Interest
Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard has denied reports he has agreed to join Bayern Munich amid speculation he is wanted by Liverpool.
According to the Mirror's Liam Prenderville, Pavard—who won the FIFA World Cup with France—was said to have agreed to join Bayern next summer for €32 million (£28.8 million).
However, he told L'Equipe (h/t Prenderville):
"You journalists said I had signed for Bayern, but I am happy at Stuttgart. The World Cup arrived sooner than I expected, even for me. My plan was to stay another season in Germany. I am at a very big club with fantastic fans. I have signed nothing."
The 22-year-old was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup and scored the goal of the tournament:
A relative unknown prior to the tournament, Pavard was in France boss Didier Deschamps' first-choice XI in Russia, and aside from being rested for their final group game, he played every minute.
He's just as reliable a performer for Stuttgart, per OptaFranz:
Pavard was utilised at right-back by Deschamps and performed there admirably. He has also featured there for his club, though he's often deployed at centre-back.
Such versatility makes him a valuable asset and will enhance his appeal to prospective suitors.
Pavard also reads the game well, which helps him make vital interceptions to shut down opposition attacks.
The Bundesliga highlighted this and the other qualities he possesses that have seen him attract attention from some of Europe's elite:
While Pavard is content with Stuttgart, it seems he may be open to moving on next summer. If that is the case Bayern or Liverpool may yet land him.
In the meantime, they'll have another year to monitor his progress ahead of a potential move.
