Barcelona will reportedly look to secure the services of 26-year-old Bayern Munich defender and 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Benjamin Pavard has emerged on the radar of Barcelona. The Catalan giants have drawn up a shortlist of right-backs to target heading into the January transfer window. And the 26-year-old Bayern Munich defender is one of several players on their radar.
Benjamin Pavard has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Bayern Munich from VfB Stuttgart over three years ago. The French international arrived at Allianz Arena one year after winning the World Cup with France. And while the player has been a regular for Die Roten, he is currently frustrated at the German club.
The 26-year-old, who has four goals in 21 appearances this season, reportedly wants to leave Bayern Munich next year. And Pavard recently suggested that he is open to a new adventure, even though he remains committed to the Bundesliga champions. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona let Dani Alves depart from Spotify Camp Nou as a free agent in the summer transfer window. The veteran Brazilian defender lasted less than a year in his second stint with the Blaugrana. In addition, Sergino Dest, who was out of favour with Xavi Hernandez, joined AC Milan on a season-long loan deal.
While Barcelona signed Hector Bellerin on the deadline day in the summer transfer window, the Spaniard has only penned a one-year contract. And with Sergi Robert past his best, the Catalan giants need to invest in a younger right-back. Several players, including Diogo Dalot, have thus emerged on Barcelona’s radar.
But recent reports have labelled the Manchester United defender as an “impossible target” for Barcelona. However, Dalot is not the only right-back on Barcelona’s shortlist of candidates to bolster the defensive unit. Pavard also features on the Catalan outfit’s radar. And with the World Cup winner at the peak of his powers, he is a viable target for Barcelona.
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The 26-year-old is reportedly open to a new adventure, and joining Barcelona is an appealing prospect. But it will be interesting to see how much Bayern Munich will demand to part ways with Pavard. The Frenchman’s ability to play as a centre-back might make him an even more attractive target.