Bayern Munich have decided that Benjamin Pavard ‘has to stay’ at the club beyond the summer window, it has been reported.
Florian Plettenberg shared the update in question on X, which has also been corroborated by Sport BILD colleague Christian Falk who noted the player’s fury at the Bavarians’ refusal to negotiate with Manchester United over an exit.
Benjamin #Pavard has to stay as revealed. Therefore Josip #Stanisic has the permission to leave the club now – as reported in our show tonight.
Several talks with clubs from 🇩🇪 and 🏴 took place.
➡️ Leverkusen very interested as per @SZ – confirmed!
🆕 Been told that… pic.twitter.com/TCttOHBWdo— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 18, 2023
Liverpool themselves have also been tentatively linked with the French international, as per Give Me Sport, though it seems highly unlikely at this stage that the Reds will intervene for his signing.
READ MORE: Top German journo says Liverpool about to bid £20m for Bundesliga midfielder
READ MORE: Potential signing now spotted in Liverpool as Romano confirms Endo contract news
Of far greater priority is the acquisition of another midfielder – preferably a number six – following the addition of Wataru Endo yesterday.
The Japanese international can fill that gap for us in the meantime, though one might imagine that, long-term, are plans will revolve around a younger option who can grow with the side.
Cheick Doucoure at 23 years of age would certainly fit that bill, perhaps Ryan Gravenberch (21) too, though we’d have concerns over how smooth a fit he would be as holding midfielder when his attributes suggest he’s a far better fit slightly higher up in midfield.
Given what Jurgen Klopp managed to accomplish with players like Gini Wijnaldum, of course, we’ll be inclined to reserve judgement and observe the process should the German tactician put all his eggs in another Dutchman’s basket.
#Ep85 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Jan Åge Fjørtoft on Wataru Endo🎙️