Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea explore possibility of signing Bayern Munich defender in 2023
Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard looks set to depart next summer with his relationship with manager Julian Nagelsmann breaking down. And, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among clubs keeping an eye on his situation in Bavaria.
This claims comes from SPORT, who report that the 26-year-old French international has decided to leave the German champions next summer when he enters the final year of his contract.
Not long ago, Pavard was believed to be negotiating with Bayern over an extension. However, his relationship with Nagelsmann has broken down after an argument at the training ground.
Furthermore, the Frenchman was hit with a heavy fine after failing a breathalyzer test after a match, which is believed to have played a part in talks over a new deal stalling.
Pavard, in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, also seemed to hint that he had reached the end of the cycle in Germany and was ready to move in the summer. It has seemingly alerted several top clubs, including Real Madrid.
The Merengues’ interest comes as somewhat of a surprise, considering that Carlo Ancelotti has the right-back spot covered with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez while Vinicius Tobias is also an option, although the club are yet to decide on his permanent signing.
Apart from Real Madrid, Barcelona, who are in the market for a new right-back, are also said to be looking at Pavard, although the report specifies that the Catalans do not intend to enter a bidding war for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Chelsea have had links with Pavard in the past as well and the 26-year-old could be seen as a long-term replacement for captain Cesar Azpilicueta who is well into his thirties. Apart from these three clubs, AC Milan are also said to be monitoring the Frenchman’s situation.
While the report states that Real Madrid, along with Barcelona, Chelsea and Milan, have explored the possibility of signing Pavard, no firm offer has been presented to the right-back as of yet.
Whether Los Blancos are serious about bringing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner will be interesting to see, as he could potentially lock in the right-back slot for the next half-a-decade at least.
According to a report from journalist Jorge C Picon, former Tottenham Hotspur and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is in pole position to become the next manager of Real Madrid, if Carlo Ancelotti leaves at the end of the season.
Ancelotti’s topic has become a topic of much debate and discussion over the past few weeks. The Italian tactician has a contract that runs until next year and has stated that he wishes to see it out.
However, the team’s failure to win any major title this season could end up spelling trouble or the 63-year-old. The La Liga title looks like a lost cause already while Real Madrid are in a disadvantageous position in Copa del Rey as well.
The UEFA Champions League remains Ancelotti’s best bet to win a trophy this season. Should he do so, the Italian could continue at Real Madrid or even possibly sign a new contract extension.
But, failure to land the trophy could end his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu and Pochettino is said to be the frontrunner for the position in that case.
The Argentine is currently unemployed after being sacked by PSG in July last year. The 51-year-old did not have the most memorable of stints in Paris but his stock has not diminished in the Real Madrid offices, who had considered appointing him once before as well.
Thomas Tuchel was also a candidate for Real Madrid and talks were also held with him. But, the club informed him that if Ancelotti won the UCL, he would stay on, which played a part in the German signing for Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, club legend Raul Gonzalez, who is currently the manager of Real Madrid Castilla, is also a candidate, but is seen only as Plan B, with Pochettino very much the frontrunner at this point.
A lot will depend on how the rest of the season pans out and whether Ancelotti is able to lead Real Madrid to back-to-back Champions League triumphs.
