Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona were offered Benjamin Pavard as a potential solution to their centre-back shortage
- The French defender previously featured under Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich and suits his tactical profile
- A move is considered highly unlikely due to salary concerns and registration limitations
Transfer Context
Following the exit of Iñigo Martínez, Barcelona find themselves lacking depth in central defence, prompting the club to assess options ahead of the summer transfer deadline in September. Among the candidates presented is World Cup-winning defender Benjamin Pavard, whose name has previously appeared on the Catalan club’s radar.
In 2023, the Blaugrana were actively seeking a right-back, with the aim of allowing Jules Koundé to operate primarily as a centre-half. At the time, Pavard — then with Bayern Munich — was one of the profiles under consideration. However, the club ultimately chose not to pursue the Frenchman, who subsequently completed a move to Inter Milan.
🚨🚨| Pini Zahavi has offered Benjamin Pavard to Barcelona.
[@sport] pic.twitter.com/nf32b8OX65
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) August 18, 2025
Flick’s Familiarity and Tactical Fit
New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick knows Pavard well from their time together at Bayern. The 29-year-old defender is seen as an ideal fit for Flick’s system, offering versatility by being equally comfortable as a centre-back or full-back. According to reports from Sport, Pavard has been proposed to Barcelona and is reportedly open to the move, having declined an offer from Saudi Arabian side Neom SC in hopes of staying in European football.
Complications and Strategic Concerns
Despite Pavard’s suitability and willingness, several factors complicate a potential deal. Barcelona already have players with similar characteristics, such as Jules Koundé and Eric García. Additionally, accommodating Pavard’s wage demands would strain the club’s already delicate financial structure.
Crucially, the need for a left-footed centre-back to directly replace Martínez is seen as a more pressing requirement. Furthermore, any new recruit would likely need to be registered as a first-team player with La Liga, something the club is currently not in a favourable position to facilitate.
Conclusion
While the availability of Benjamin Pavard might seem an appealing proposition given his experience and compatibility with Hansi Flick’s tactical framework, financial and strategic limitations mean that a transfer remains highly improbable. As it stands, Barcelona are not expected to make a move for the French international — or any other first-team level defender — before the transfer window shuts.
