According to consistent media reports, Inter Milan knocked on FC Bayern’s door during the winter transfer period and inquired about Benjamin Pavard. According to reports, the Italians wanted to loan out the defensive all-rounder until the end of the season. However, the Bayern bosses vetoed the request – even though it was „financially attractive,“ as Hasan Salihamidzic, the club’s sports director, has now revealed.
Pavard has been considered a „shaky candidate“ at FC Bayern for some time. The Frenchman is not really satisfied with his role in Munich and is flirting with an early departure next summer. Those responsible in Munich, on the other hand, remain convinced of the 26-year-old and his qualities and would like to keep them beyond the current season.
According to Hasan Salihamidzic, a sale in the winter was never up for debate: „Benji is a very important, variable player for us in the defense. We have very big goals this season, which is why we don’t want to and can’t do without him,“ he told Sport BILD.
„Financially, the request was even attractive“
According to the 46-year-old, a Pavard transfer in the winter would have been quite attractive financially, but the Bayern bosses are striving for maximum success this season: „Financially, the request was even attractive, but the sporting always comes first for us.“ The French player is valued at €30 million – an amount Inter approximately offered Bayern to replace Skrinar.
How it will continue with the French international next summer at the Isar, is open. In addition to Inter, FC Barcelona is also said to be interested. According to reports, Pavard has been in exchange with the Catalans for quite some time. Salihamidzic indicated, however, that Bayern would also have a hard time letting him leave in the summer: „Benji is a special player who is sensitive and needs affection. I also know what a big heart he has and what he can do.“
It is clear, however, that if no extension is agreed with Pavard, Bayern will inevitably have to consider selling him, as his contract expires in 2024 and there is a risk of losing the player for free in a worst-case scenario.
