In light of this imminent departure, Manchester United has turned their attention to Benjamin Pavard, a stalwart right-back for Bayern Munich. Pavard has expressed a strong desire to part ways with the Bundesliga champions, as he has signaled his intention not to extend his contract beyond its expiration in 2024. S
ky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg has indicated that substantive discussions have already commenced between the English club and the 27-year-old Frenchman. Moreover, it has come to light that United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is enthusiastic about incorporating Pavard’s versatile abilities, which extend beyond his primary role as a right-back, into the squad.
The situation is further exacerbated by Manchester United’s eagerness to offload Harry Maguire and recoup a portion of the remarkable £80 million ($101.9 million) they disbursed to Leicester City in 2019 to secure his services, a fee that established a world record for a defender. The addition of Pavard, a World Cup winner with France, would provide the Red Devils with a multifaceted defensive solution that could potentially mitigate the void left by Maguire’s departure.
With only a year remaining on Pavard’s contract, there exists a prospect of Manchester United securing his services at a cost-effective rate. Nonetheless, the dynamics could shift if Bayern Munich were to successfully secure the services of Harry Kane during the current transfer window. In such a scenario, the German powerhouse might seek a more substantial transfer fee for Pavard to balance the financial equation.
As the Premier League season is poised to commence with Manchester United’s clash against Wolves on Monday, August 14, the prevailing uncertainty revolves around whether Pavard will finalize his move to the club by that time and if Maguire’s departure will be confirmed. The anticipation among fans and pundits alike is palpable, as these potential changes in the defensive lineup could have far-reaching ramifications for the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
