Scenarios for Benjamin Pavard’s desire for move to center-back at Bayern Munich

We heard that Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard wants to move to center-back — the position he was originally signed to play — and that a position change can only happen when the Bavarians find a suitable right-back.

So...what are the scenarios for how all of this could play out? Let’s take a look.

Subject: Benjamin Pavard

• Contract ends: 2024
• Transfermarkt valuation: €35 million

Scenario #1 — Bye, bye Benji

Bayern Munch is loaded at center-back and Josip Stanisic has shown great promise at right-back. With the Bavarians seeking to generate revenue, it is not out of the question that Bayern Munich attempts to sell Pavard next summer, turns the job over to Stanisic, and seeks a veteran to bolster the position.

Scenario #2 — Hold on there cowboy, why don’t you stick around?

While the defense might currently be loaded, Niklas Süle is barreling toward free agency and increasing his worth every time he takes the pitch. If Bayern Munich and Süle cannot come to an accord, the big fella could be sold this winter or he could leave for free next summer. Should either of those things happen, Pavard could easily make the transition to center-back, while Stanisic and a veteran to be determined anchor the position for the 2022/2023 season.

Scenario #3 — Let it ride

Bayern Munich could also choose to ride this out until after the 2022/2023 season. The Bavarians might not be eager to spend money on a right-back at this point and could push this decision out until after the 2022/2023 season. Between now and then, Bayern Munich could use its available funds on other positions or other players it covets (Erling Haaland? Timo Werner? Florian Neuhaus? Antonio Rüdiger? Federico Chiesa? Callum Hudson-Odoi?), while also working to have Chris Richards return to Bayern Munich to operate in that dual role of a reserve center-back and right-back.