Manchester City are potentially looking to replace Kyle Walker with Frenchman Benjamin Pavard if the Englishman decides to join Bayern Munich.
Walker has been linked with a move to Bayern and many reports have suggested that he has already agreed personal terms with the German giants. He is also set to speak with Pep Guardiola regarding the same in the coming days.
Walker is said to be looking for a new challenge after completing a historic treble with City. He is also concerned about the reduction in his involvement in the team since Guardiola’s switch to the dynamic three-man set-up at the back.
It looks as though Pep would look to replace the Englishman straightaway and his choice is World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard.
It is unclear whether City will look to negotiate a direct swap deal between the two players or pursue a deal independent from the Walker deal but a swap could make sense as both players have relatively close market values.
Walker and Pavard possess completely different attributes even though they play the same position. Walker is known for his pace and strength whereas Pavard is more technically inclined and lacks express pace.
Also Read: Fred set to leave Manchester United
The Frenchman can also play as a centre-back and may suit Pep’s system even better than Walker did. But his lack of pace could also create problems while defending counterattacks.
Pavard has played 162 games for Bayern since joining from Stuttgart in 2019 after he rose to fame at the 2018 World Cup. He played every game as the right-back for France on their road to lifting the title and also scored the goal of the tournament on the way.
The 27-year-old is now entering the final year of his contract at Bayern and the club are ready to offload the player for the right offer. He has won 4 Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in his time at the German club.
As mentioned earlier, Walker is set to hold talks with Guardiola and the Spaniard is expected to try and persuade the Englishman to stay. He still remains Pep’s first choice and they will explore other deals only if Walker leaves.
Some reports suggested that Achraf Hakimi is another name on City’s list of replacements and the Blues have apparently learned that the Moroccan would be keen on joining them.
Walker has reportedly given the green light to Bayern as he looks to secure a new challenge and potentially his last big contract as he turns 34 next year.
