Man City and Man United move for Aleksandar Pavlović as Bayern hold firm

Manchester City and Manchester United have asked through intermediaries about Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović, with City’s interest described as concrete as they map a succession plan for Rodri. There has been no direct club-to-club contact yet, but discussions with the player’s camp underline that England’s elite are positioning early. Pavlović, a Bayern academy product who broke out in 2023-24 and earned a Germany call-up, is admired for his press resistance, tempo control and maturity at the base of midfield. Bayern value him highly and are expected to be tough negotiators, yet all signals suggest this is a pursuit that will heat up ahead of the next window.

The development follows weeks of scouting across Germany and England, where top clubs have refreshed shortlists for a deep-lying midfielder. After Pavlović’s breakthrough season and rapid elevation with Bayern and Germany, intermediaries have relayed concrete interest—especially from Manchester City, who are planning long term behind Rodri. Manchester United, reshaping their midfield profile, have also registered intent. As of now, there is no club-to-club contact with Bayern Munich, but multiple conversations have taken place with the player’s representatives to understand his vision, role expectations and timing before any formal step is taken.

Manchester City and Manchester United have enquired about Aleksandar Pavlović through intermediaries. City's interest, in particular, is very concrete as he's seen there as a perfect Rodri successor. There's been no contact with Bayern, but with the player's camp. For Pavlović,

@iMiaSanMia

Impact Analysis

If City land Pavlović, it would be one of the most coherent succession moves in recent Premier League memory. Pavlović’s game is built on positional discipline, clean reception under pressure, and line-breaking distribution—traits that mirror key Rodri functions. In a Guardiola-style structure, he can operate as a single pivot, anchor rest defense, and recycle possession without sacrificing verticality. This allows City to manage Rodri’s minutes, reduce drop-off, and future-proof a role that underpins their entire control model.

For United, Pavlović represents a philosophical pivot toward control and structure. Pairing him with a dynamic eight would stabilize first and second phases, offering a platform for their attackers. However, United would likely need to promise a starting pathway faster than City to win the player’s conviction.

From Bayern’s perspective, losing a club-trained midfielder with UEFA list value and long-term upside would be costly—not only on the pitch but for squad registration. Bayern will insist on a premium and may prefer to re-center around Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer or Leon Goretzka while continuing to integrate youngsters. Any negotiation will reflect Pavlović’s strategic importance; market inflation for elite pivots means fee structures, add-ons and buy-back or matching clauses could all be explored.

Reaction

Fan sentiment is split along predictable lines. Bayern supporters are defiant: many insist Pavlović is “Bayern to the core,” dismissing English suitors with a mix of pride and humor. Some jest that it would take a triple-digit fee plus a superstar to even start a conversation, while others mock the idea of him leaving anytime soon, framing him as a long-term starter who could rack up European titles in Munich.

City fans love the logic of the move, labeling Pavlović the cleanest stylistic fit available and a natural heir to Rodri. The optimism is tempered only by the expectation that Bayern will play hardball. United fans are enthusiastic but wary, questioning whether their project can outmuscle City’s pitch and whether their recruitment team would move decisively enough.

Neutral voices note the intermediaries-first approach as a sign of seriousness, pointing out that elite clubs often test appetite and role clarity this way before bidding. The overall vibe: City are positioned, United are lurking, Bayern are braced—and everyone expects a premium if the Bundesliga champions even open the door.

Social reactions

150 million or don’t bother

Ardi 🇦🇱 (@ADFcb_)

He's retiring here with 6 CLs but glad City recognize his talent

Farmers Footy (@FarmersFooty)

They can sign him on fifa

trust in kompany (@Kirby_daddy_)

Prediction

Short term, expect City to intensify background work: role presentations, pathway mapping, and discussions around a phased transition from Rodri. A formal approach could follow once Bayern signal any openness, likely tied to their own midfield planning. City’s strategy may include a high fixed fee with achievable add-ons and a respectful timeline, potentially allowing Bayern to line up a replacement before green-lighting any move.

United’s route is to pitch immediacy: a central role from day one and a marquee status in a rebuilding core. If they move fast with a compelling package, they could force Bayern to make an early stance. However, if this turns into a longer courtship, City’s clarity and continuity could prove decisive.

The most plausible scenarios: 1) City secure a pre-summer agreement after months of groundwork; 2) Bayern hold firm through the next window but remain engaged if valuation thresholds are met; 3) United push hard but face a player preference leaning City due to system fit and trophy certainty. Either way, the temperature is rising—and Pavlović is front and center in the elite pivot market.

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Conclusion

Everything about this chase screams elite planning. City have identified a like-for-like successor profile and are moving with quiet precision. United add competitive tension by offering an accelerated pathway. Bayern, meanwhile, control the strongest hand: a club-grown metronome whose value extends beyond the transfer column and into identity, registration, and dressing-room balance.

Will it happen? The trajectory points to yes—if, and only if, Bayern’s valuation and sporting conditions are met. City’s need is strategic rather than reactive, which typically results in patience and premium pricing. United’s hope lies in decisiveness and a compelling sporting package. Pavlović fits the Premier League’s technical and tactical demands, and his ceiling is aligned with top-club ambitions. Expect weeks of meticulous courtship, escalating bids, and a final decision framed not by hype but by structure: role clarity, fee architecture, and Bayern’s replacement plan. Momentum favors a future in sky blue—but the Bayern wall will take some scaling.