According to a report from Tz journalist Philipp Kessler, Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard is still seeking a transfer away from the club, but manager Thomas Tuchel would like to keep him anyway.
Pavard had an extremely strong 2022/23 campaign and his ability to seamlessly shift between right-back and center-back has made him into the type of “backline utility man” that coaches covet.
However, Pavard wants to move to a club that will play him at center-back. Among the most recent teams considered to be favorites to land the Frenchman are Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus.
Landon Donovan provoked international beef with Mexico by trash-talking, peeing, and winning
Wherever he eventually lands, Pavard is adamant that he wants to play in a central defensive role Mexico vs. the United States has always been a good (if often one-sided) soccer rivalry. But in the early 2000s, it a whole new level thanks to a particularly pesky American: Landon Donovan. He scored goals, he talked trash, he … peed on a practice field. It was a lot, and it made a historic feud Thomas #Tuchel would like to hold Benjamin #Pavard. But the Frenchman’s wish is clear: he wants to leave the #FCBayern . Manchester United and Juventus are close to him. Manchester City are also interested. Important for Pavard is a regular place as IV. @mano_bonke
As indicated above, Pavard was very good under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel last season. Keeping Pavard would likely give Tuchel the option to run a back three-based system if he decides to go that direction as it would mean that the team has four starting-caliber players for center-back (Pavard, Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-jae). Without that fourth experienced center-back, Tuchel would be an injury away from playing someone out of position or relying on an inexperienced option.
Moreover, Pavard still might be the best right-back on the roster as well. It is easy to see why Tuchel wants to keep Pavard, but it just appears that the 27-year-old wants a fresh start and a full-time role at center-back.
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