Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for shining French sensation Benjamin Pavard and are ready to battle Manchester United for the Stuttgart star.
Spanish publication Don Balon are claiming that Barcelona could be about to enter the race for Benjamin Pavard. The Stuttgart star has been on the radar of quite a few clubs. Manchester United have been linked with the defender. But, it seems Barcelona are set to join the Red Devils in pursuit of the 22-year-old.
Benjamin Pavard arrived at Stuttgart as a promising teenager. But, the 2017-18 season saw him elevate himself to become one of the most enterprising properties of Bundesliga. Pavard finished the season having played each and every minute of Stuttgart’s Bundesliga campaign. The 22-year-old added another feather to his cap by making the senior bow for France during the season.
But, not many had expected Pavard to be a starter going into the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign. Presented with the chance to start on the right, even Didier Deschamps would not have envisaged the impact that the 22-year-old will have. Pavard cemented his position on the right and has put in four incredible performances so far.
The highlight for sure, was the Captain Tsubasa-esque goal he scored in the 4-3 win over Argentina in the Round of 16. His performances have brought forth interest from Manchester United and subsequently, Barcelona.
Manchester United may not be targeting him as a right-back. Jose Mourinho is looking to add to the central defensive options available to him. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are on the chopping block. Victor Lindelof might have played his way into Mourinho’s plans after a brilliant World Cup campaign.
But, Eric Bailly’s future is also in doubt, with the Ivorian requesting talks with the manager to sort things out. Pavard would be an ideal option as both a centre-back and a right-back. Given Diogo Dalot’s arrival though, one might expect that Pavard is being sought as an option at the heart of defence.
Barcelona though, are looking at Pavard as an alternative to Nelson Semedo, should the Portuguese fail to impress. Semedo failed to dislodge Sergi Roberto as the main right-back in his first season. While he is set to be given another chance, Pavard’s arrival will act as insurance, if not more.
Barcelona are set to offload Paulinho. Should the Brazilian leave, Ernesto Valverde might seek to replace Paulinho by pushing Sergi Roberto in midfield. In such a scenario, Valverde would be gunning for the arrival of Pavard, which would let him do the aforementioned without much cause for worry.
Manchester United or Barcelona, big things await young Benjamin Pavard.
