Manchester City chase Bayern star: Pavlovic tipped as Rodri’s successor | OneFootball

Bayern star Aleksandar Pavlovic is increasingly coming into focus for Manchester City. According to current reports, the 21-year-old is being considered as a long-term replacement for Rodri at the Sky Blues.

In recent days, initial reports have already circulated that Manchester City is intensively focusing on Aleksandar Pavlovic. The 21-year-old would not be the first Bundesliga star to catch the eye of a top English club.

As reported by British transfer insider Neil Goulding, Pep Guardiola is looking for a successor to City midfield boss Rodri. Pavlovic is said to be at the top of the wish list for the former Bayern coach.

Guardiola seeks solution for the core

Photo: IMAGO

For years, Rodri has been considered a key figure in Guardiola's system. With his physical presence, game intelligence, and passing accuracy, he shapes the center of the Citizens like no other. However, a cruciate ligament injury last season clearly showed how dependent City is on their strategist.

Although there are alternatives in the squad with new signings like Tijjani Reijnders or Nico González, none of them embody the Rodri player type. Looking ahead to the coming years – Rodri is approaching 30 – the management, led by sporting director Hugo Viana, is therefore intensively searching for a long-term solution.

This is where Pavlovic comes into focus. The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks at FC Bayern, debuted with the pros in 2023, and quickly developed into a key figure in midfield. With his combination of physical robustness, strategic game understanding, and technical quality, he is considered a modern defensive midfielder – and thus a player who could stylistically fit perfectly into the Guardiola system.

Bayern firmly plans with Pavlovic

However, it is clear: The German record champion will not let their youngster go lightly. Pavlovic has a long-term contract until 2029 and is internally considered an essential part of future planning.

The English have already proven several times that they do not shy away in such cases. Recently, they invested nearly 40 million euros for the 19-year-old Brazilian Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. It could be similar for Pavlovic – provided Bayern is even willing to negotiate. The market value of the DFB star is currently estimated at 55 million euros.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.