Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich is still reportedly a target for Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag’s team will have to compete with Manchester City for the Frenchman’s services.
What are the newest transfer rumours involving Man United?
The Europa Conference League champions, West Ham United, have reportedly expressed interest in signing the 30-year-old club captain this summer. There has been notable speculation recently that the Red Devils are looking to offload Harry Maguire ahead of the upcoming season.
In the midst of those rumours regarding the Englishman’s departure, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed United’s interest in Pavard as a potential replacement, even though City and Juventus are currently also in the running.
The transfer insider revealed on Twitter: “Pavard: FC Bayern, waiting for firm offers right now! ManCity and the player’s management held discussions because Pavard is a player that Guardiola is very interested in. Yet no agreements have been reached. It’s currently a competition between Juventus, ManUtd, and #MCFC.
The 27-year-old versatile ace has entered the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena, according to previous reports, and could command a fee of just €30 million (£26 million) if he is to be sold this summer.
The calibre of Benjamin Pavard?
It is not surprising that there is so much interest in signing the World Cup champion for a discount price because the former Stuttgart star’s versatility will likely make him a valuable addition to Ten Hag’s squad.
The 6 foot 2 rock may not have the most glamorous or “sexy” name, but he could turn out to be a smart investment for the Old Trafford team this summer. He also said that he was “more complete” than Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool.
The expectation is that Pavard will be as successful as another former Bundesliga player, Manuel Akanji, who switched from Germany to Manchester a year ago and went on to win a treble at the Etihad last season.
Similar to Pavard, the 6 foot 1 centre back, who can also play full back, was acquired quietly for just £15 million by Pep Guardiola’s team last summer. At the time, the player still had one year left on his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
Although Akanji went on to make 48 appearances across all competitions, as per ex-England number one Paul Robinson, he simply “surpassed expectations,” it appeared as though that signing was merely to help the club’s “strength in depth,” as pundit Alan Hutton noted at the time.
Similar to the 27-year-old, Pavard, who Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel has dubbed “underrated,” could possibly surprise a few next season if he teams up with Ten Hag after recently demonstrating his talent.
Due to his similarity to Akanji, who ranks in the top 17% among his European peers for progressive passes and the top 20% for progressive carries while Pavard ranks in the top 1% and top 9% for those same two metrics, respectively, the Frenchman has the skills to succeed in the Premier League. The pair are both adept at playing out from the back.
While the former Dortmund star ranks in the top 3% for attempted passes as a marker of his desire to play forward, Pavard again ranks in the top 1% for that same metric, highlighting his superior ball-playing skills.
As a result, Ten Hag might find his own version of the former Basel gem by signing another underrated Bundesliga star this summer after seeing the impact that Akanji has had in Manchester so far.
