Bayern Munich’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic announced on Wednesday that Bayern have activated the Stuttgart centre-half’s €35 million (£31m/$40m) release clause.
Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Stuttgart and France defender Benjamin Pavard on a five-year deal. The Bavarian outfit announced the news via Twitter on Wednesday
Salihamidzic revealed to reporters: “I can confirm that Benjamin Pavard will join us on a five-year deal from 1st July 2019. Pavard is a young player and a world champion. We’re delighted and very proud to have been able to secure the services of a player like him.”
Pavard, who starred in France’s World Cup win in the summer, will remain at Stuttgart until the end of the season. Pavard joined Stuttgart in 2016 and went on to win the 2. Bundesliga title in his first season at the club.
In March 2017 he made his France debut and played right-back as the country went on to win its second World Cup. A superb strike in the last 16 defeat of Argentina saw Pavard win goal of the tournament.
But he hasn’t enjoyed such good form this season, though. In part thanks to his struggles, Stuttgart are battling relegation and sit 16th in the Bundesliga, having shipped 29 goals in his 14 appearances and 35 overall.
Despite his recent dip in form, Pavard is a good young talent who can freshen up Bayern’s back line. Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are both 30 now, and the latter in particular has suffered a decline of late.
As for Stuttgart, they have received a €35 million (£31.4 million) fee for him, according to DW Sports. The deal will not only allow him to help Stuttgart for the remainder of the campaign, but they might also be able to use the money to aid their survival bid. Stuttgart have scored just 12 goals in 17 Bundesliga matches this season, so attacking reinforcements are sorely needed.
Niko Kovac’s side trail Dortmund by six points in the table – the first time in eight seasons that they have not led the way going into the winter break. And the signing of Pavard is unlikely to be the final piece of business completed by Bayern in January.
The Bavarians have made a fourth bid of £35m ($45m) for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi , offering him the No.10 shirt in an attempt to convince him to move to Germany. Kovac’s side had already completed the $13.5 million (€11.5m/£10m) signing of Alphonso Davies from Vancouver Whitecaps, with the 18-year-old Canadian part of the 29-man squad that travelled to Qatar on January 4 .
Bayern resume the Bundesliga season with an away trip to Hoffenheim on January 18, while Pavard’s current side Stuttgart, who are 16th in the table, host Mainz on January 19 as they aim to move further away from the relegation spots.
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