Transfer Centre

Barcelona join race for Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 01 November 2022

Barcelona join race for Benjamin Pavard?

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, with head coach Xavi still in the market for a new right-back.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

The 28-year-old is approaching his fifth year at the Allianz Arena and is regarded as a first-team regular under head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Pavard, who can operate at either right-back or centre-back, has made a total of 136 appearances for the Bundesliga giants across all competitions, including 13 starts this campaign.

The Frenchman's form with Bayern is understood to have caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe including Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea.

A report last month claimed that Pavard rejected the chance to move to Old Trafford over the summer in favour of staying put at Bayern.

Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest, but Sport claims that Barcelona are the latest team to join the race for his signature.

The report adds that the Catalan giants remain in the market for a new right-back despite adding Hector Bellerin to their ranks in the summer.

Bellerin, who joined Barca on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract was mutually terminated, has started just two games in all competitions so far this season, including the 3-0 Champions League defeat against Bayern last week which saw Pavard get his name on the scoresheet.

As well as Bellerin, head coach Xavi has used Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde at right-back so far this campaign, with the Spanish boss presumably unsure who is best suited to play regularly on the right side of the back four.

Benjamin Pavard in training for Bayern Munich on November 5, 2019 © Reuters

Barca are said to have identified Pavard as a potential target, with the former Stuttgart man under contract at the Allianz Arena until June 2024.

Pavard is allegedly open to a fresh challenge elsewhere and will consider his options after representing France at the 2022 World Cup.

Barcelona have also been linked with a potential swoop for Man United's Diogo Dalot, with the right-back recently admitting that he has put talks over a new contract on hold.

The 23-year-old has established himself as Erik ten Hag's first-choice right-back this season and is currently enjoying a fine spell of form, but his long-term future at Old Trafford is uncertain as his current deal expires next summer.