Manchester United and Manchester City Set for Transfer Battle Over Bayern Munich Star Aleksandar Pavlović
A fresh transfer battle could be brewing in Manchester — and this time, it’s not over a striker or winger, but one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young midfielders. According to multiple reports, both Manchester United and Manchester City have set their sights on Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović, a technically gifted defensive midfielder who has quietly emerged as one of Europe’s most composed young anchormen.
The 20-year-old, who broke into Bayern’s first team last season, has impressed with his maturity, ball progression, and positional awareness. With both Manchester clubs looking to reinforce their midfield departments in 2026, Pavlović has become a player of serious interest — and Bayern now face the growing risk of losing yet another academy product to the Premier League.
Pavlović: Bayern’s Quiet Midfield Maestro
Born in Munich to Serbian parents, Aleksandar Pavlović joined Bayern’s youth academy at the age of 7. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks, earning a reputation for being both intelligent and adaptable.
Unlike many young midfielders, Pavlović’s strength lies not in flair but in control and discipline. He operates as a deep-lying midfielder — dictating tempo, intercepting passes, and recycling possession with precision. His game resembles that of players like Joshua Kimmich or Rodri, both of whom blend defensive structure with tactical creativity.
Since making his senior debut in 2023, Pavlović has made over 40 appearances for Bayern, often stepping in during injury crises and holding his own against elite opposition. His ability to read the game and move the ball quickly under pressure has impressed coaches, pundits, and data analysts alike.
At just 20, Pavlović already boasts a pass accuracy above 92% in the Bundesliga, along with elite defensive metrics — averaging over 2.1 interceptions and 6 recoveries per 90 minutes. These numbers place him among the most efficient young holding midfielders in Europe.
Why Manchester United Are Interested
For Manchester United, the interest in Pavlović is driven by both need and philosophy. Rúben Amorim has made it clear since his arrival that the heart of United’s problems lies in midfield balance — the ability to control transitions and dictate tempo.
Casemiro, while still respected, has struggled with injuries and mobility. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan spell ended without renewal, while Kobbie Mainoo — despite his brilliance — cannot shoulder the entire defensive burden at 19.
United’s scouts have been tracking Pavlović since early 2024, impressed by his composure in Bayern’s double pivot. Sources close to the club indicate that Amorim views Pavlović as a long-term No.6 capable of anchoring a midfield three with Mainoo and Mason Mount ahead of him.
Under Amorim’s pressing structure, Pavlović’s ability to read space and protect the back line would be invaluable. The Portuguese manager wants a midfielder who can dictate the first phase of buildup while also serving as a pressing trigger when possession is lost.
A United insider put it bluntly:
> “Pavlović is everything Amorim wants in a No.6 — disciplined, two-footed, calm under pressure, and tactically aware. He’s the kind of player that allows creative players to thrive without losing structure.”
Why Manchester City Are Monitoring Him Too
Across town, Manchester City are equally intrigued. Pep Guardiola has been monitoring Pavlović’s development since he was a teenager, seeing shades of a young Toni Kroos and Rodri in his approach.
City’s interest stems from strategic foresight. Rodri, their undisputed midfield lynchpin, has been irreplaceable but also heavily burdened. Guardiola is acutely aware that the team needs a succession plan for the Spanish international, and Pavlović fits the profile perfectly.
Pavlović’s ability to retain possession under pressure, drop between center-backs, and orchestrate from deep mirrors the responsibilities Guardiola places on Rodri. At City, he would have the ideal environment to grow — a controlled system, technical teammates, and a manager who values midfielders above all else.
Furthermore, with Kalvin Phillips expected to leave permanently, City’s depth in defensive midfield is thin. The club are not rushing to sign an immediate starter, but rather a young player who can learn the role gradually — a plan that aligns perfectly with Pavlović’s trajectory.
Bayern’s Stance and the Player’s Situation
Bayern Munich, understandably, are reluctant to sell. The club see Pavlović as part of their long-term rebuild, especially with Leon Goretzka’s form dipping and Joshua Kimmich’s future uncertain.
However, Bayern’s recent transfer struggles and ongoing internal reshuffling could open the door to Premier League interest. Pavlović is reportedly on a contract worth around €2 million per year, modest by Premier League standards, and his current deal runs until 2028.
There is no official release clause, but sources in Germany suggest that a bid in the region of €50–60 million (£43–52m) could test Bayern’s resolve — particularly if Pavlović expresses openness to a new challenge.
While the player is loyal to Bayern, he is said to be “open to opportunities” that guarantee long-term development and consistent first-team football. With City and United both rebuilding their midfield cores, the timing may be perfect for a Premier League move.
Tactical Fit: Pavlović Under Amorim vs. Guardiola
If Pavlović were to choose between the two Manchester giants, his development path would look very different.
At Manchester United, he would likely become an instant first-team regular, anchoring a young midfield beside Mainoo and Mount. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system emphasizes double pivots that stay compact during transitions — a setup that would suit Pavlović’s discipline and range. United would give him responsibility early, positioning him as the foundation of their rebuild.
At Manchester City, Pavlović’s role would initially be more developmental. Guardiola would integrate him gradually, rotating with Rodri and learning positional nuances within City’s fluid 4-3-3. The Spaniard values players who can absorb tactical details, and Pavlović’s intelligence could see him molded into Rodri’s long-term heir.
In essence, United would offer immediate leadership, while City would offer gradual perfection — two very different yet enticing career paths.
The Bigger Picture: A Symbolic Transfer Battle
This potential tug-of-war goes beyond one player. It symbolizes the new phase of Manchester football rivalry — where both clubs, under visionary managers, are competing not just for trophies but for identity and long-term structure.
For years, City have led in data-driven, future-oriented recruitment. But with INEOS’ influence and Amorim’s modern footballing philosophy, United are catching up. Both sides now target players who can define eras, not just fill positions.
Pavlović fits that mould: young, intelligent, and technically elite. Whichever club wins the race would be securing not just a player, but a potential midfield cornerstone for the next decade.
Financial Implications and Negotiation Factors
United’s pursuit will depend on outgoing transfers and their Financial Fair Play flexibility, especially after the recent sales of Højlund and fringe players. City, meanwhile, remain financially comfortable but cautious — they only move when the fit is exact.
If Bayern resist a 2026 summer sale, both English clubs could consider pre-agreement strategies, similar to what City did with Julián Álvarez in 2022. This would allow Pavlović to finish the season in Germany before moving next year.
What Pavlović Could Bring to the Premier League
Aleksandar Pavlović is not the loudest or flashiest name in European football — but those who understand tactics know his value. He represents a new generation of midfielders: positionally intelligent, press-resistant, and emotionally composed.
His arrival in England would elevate the technical level of either Manchester club’s midfield. For United, he could finally stabilize a position that has been in flux since Michael Carrick’s retirement. For City, he could become the long-term successor to Rodri — a seamless continuation of Guardiola’s midfield dynasty.
Conclusion
As both Manchester United and Manchester City circle around Aleksandar Pavlović, the race promises to be one of 2026’s most intriguing transfer stories. It is not just about signing a midfielder — it’s about shaping the future identity of two footballing powerhouses.
Bayern will fight to keep their young gem, but the lure of the Premier League, combined with the prestige of working under Amorim or Guardiola, may prove irresistible.
For Pavlović, the next few months will define his trajectory: stay and become Bayern’s next midfield general, or move to Manchester and test himself in the world’s most competitive league.
Either way, the message is clear — Aleksandar Pavlović is no longer Bayern’s secret. He is Europe’s next great midfield prize, and Manchester’s giants are ready to battle for him.
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