Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard has reportedly informed the club of his intention to depart, as per Sky Germany, and has even offered himself to FC Barcelona in recent weeks, according to SPORT.
Pavard’s contract with Bayern is set to expire on June 30, 2024. Throughout this season, there have been consistent rumors suggesting that the Frenchman seeks a change of scenery due to being played out of position by former coach Julian Nagelsmann. Follow your favourite Bundesliga team with attractive football betting odds from Empire777.
Despite Nagelsmann’s departure and the occasional accommodation of Pavard’s preference to play in central defense rather than right back by his replacement, Thomas Tuchel, the World Cup winner has apparently communicated his desire to move on to the recently crowned Bundesliga champions.
With just 13 months remaining on his contract, Bayern could potentially sell Pavard at a reduced fee this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer midway through next year.
SPORT reports that Bayern had previously set a price tag of €35 million ($37.5 million) on Pavard, which Barcelona deemed expensive given the relatively short duration left on his contract. However, his agent Pini Zahavi, who maintains a strong relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, has reportedly approached the Catalan club in recent weeks to explore a potential transfer. Zahavi is also said to be open to a potential swap deal between Barcelona and Bayern to facilitate the transfer.
Barcelona’s coaching staff is said to prefer Villarreal’s Julian Foyth, who carries a higher price of €60 million ($64.3 million) due to his substantial release clause. However, considering the challenges Barcelona faces in navigating Financial Fair Play regulations, Pavard may become a more viable option if Bayern lowers their asking price.
Barcelona is impressed by Pavard’s defensive prowess and international experience, which includes reaching two World Cup finals with the French national team and winning the UEFA Champions League in 2020. On the other hand, Foyth was an unused substitute in the victorious 2022 World Cup final against France, and his international appearances have been sporadic. While Foyth had a notable run in the UEFA Champions League with Tottenham Hotspur, reaching the final in 2019, he did win the UEFA Europa League with Villarreal in 2021. Get all the latest updates from the Bundesliga only on Empire777 Sports.
