Barcelona Consider Move for Pavard Amid Defensive Reshuffle
Barcelona are exploring ways to shore up their backline following the departure of Iñigo Martínez, and French international Benjamin Pavard has emerged as a possible solution. With limited financial flexibility and a crowded registration list, the Catalan giants are weighing their options carefully as the transfer window winds down.
Martínez Departure Leaves a Void in Barça’s Backline
After just one season at Camp Nou, Iñigo Martínez has officially joined Al Nassr, leaving new head coach Hansi Flick with a gap in his defensive setup. Martínez’s experience and left-footed presence offered tactical balance to Barcelona’s back four—qualities that now need replacing if the club aims to maintain defensive stability.
Pavard Offered to Barcelona Following Inter’s Summer Overhaul
According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign Benjamin Pavard, who recently featured in the UEFA Champions League final with Inter Milan. Though the French defender did not play in the semifinal clash against Barça, he started in the final, where Inter fell to Paris Saint-Germain in a 5–0 defeat.
Pavard’s availability stems from significant changes at Inter Milan this summer. Head coach Simone Inzaghi exited at the end of the season, and former club legend Cristian Chivu has stepped in as his replacement. Despite Pavard’s solid contributions since joining from Bayern Munich in 2023, Inter appear open to letting the 28-year-old move on.
Pavard’s Connection to Barça Runs Deep
Pavard’s potential move to Barcelona isn’t without precedent. His agent, Pini Zahavi, recently met with club president Joan Laporta, raising speculation about a possible late-summer transfer. Zahavi already represents two key Barça figures—striker Robert Lewandowski and manager Hansi Flick. Pavard notably played under Flick during their time at Bayern, making the transition potentially smoother should a deal materialize.
Financial Hurdles Remain for the Catalan Club
While Pavard brings experience and versatility, Barcelona’s tight financial situation complicates any immediate signing. The club is currently prioritizing player registrations, including Wojciech Szczęsny, Gerard Martín, Marc Bernal, and Roony Bardhji. In fact, they only just managed to register Joan García and Marcus Rashford ahead of their La Liga opener.
Flick has publicly suggested that a direct replacement for Martínez may not arrive before the transfer window closes. The club reportedly prefers a more cost-effective, left-footed defender if an opportunity presents itself late in the market.
Will Pavard Join Barça Before the Window Shuts?
While Pavard remains a tempting target, especially given his pedigree and connection to Flick, Barcelona’s ability to close a deal will depend largely on their financial maneuvering and any outgoings that could free up space. For now, it remains a waiting game, but the possibility is real.
