Liverpool target and VfB Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard has quashed rumours that he has reached an agreement to join Bayern Munich next summer.
World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard, who is a transfer target for Liverpool, has denied claims that he has agreed a move to German champions Bayern Munich from VfB Stuttgart in the next summer transfer window.
The 22-year old versatile defender was one of the breakout stars of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as he helped France lift the coveted trophy for the second time. Ever since, Pavard has been on the radars of several European heavyweights like Barcelona and Manchester United and along with Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
However, recent reports claimed that an agreement was already in place which would see Pavard join up with the German champions in a €32 million deal at the end of this season. However, the Stuttgart defender has denied all such claims, stating that he his happy at his current club.
Ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League encounter against Germany, Pavard told L’Equipe: “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.”
Liverpool had been linked with a move for the versatile defender in March earlier this year and the Reds are understood to have continued keeping tabs on the France international.
However, given their strong start to the new season, that has seen them concede just one goal in four Premier League outings, it is unlikely that manager Jurgen Klopp will be looking for any new defensive signings for the moment. The Reds’ first-choice back four has plenty of quality and with the likes of Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne waiting in the wings, there is good depth as well.
Having come through the academy at Lille back in his homeland, Pavard joined Stuttgart in 2016. During his first season with the club the defender won the German second division title and impressed in his maiden Bundesliga campaign last term.
The 22-year old was part of the lineup that was beaten 3-0 by Bayern this past weekend, following which Stuttgart find themselves at the bottom of the Bundesliga table.
Pavard still has three years left on his current contract with the German outfit, with an option of additional two years that the club can trigger. And going by his recent statements, it is unlikely that he would be willing to force a move away. However, that could change should Stuttgart fail to improve on their disappointing start and end up getting relegated.
