Aleksandar Pavlovic rejected a summer transfer to Manchester City after the Premier League club indicated they were prepared to pay up to €100m for the Bayern Munich midfielder.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s outstanding young midfielders and has continued to establish himself in the Bayern Munich first team. He has made 106 appearances for the German champions, scoring 12 goals and adding five in the Bundesliga alone.
Manchester City’s interest had been ongoing since March, with concrete discussions taking place, according to Florian Plettenburg. However, Pavlovic ultimately decided to remain with Bayern Munich, despite being flattered by the approach.
“Manchester City had been pushing to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic since March. There were concrete talks,” Plettenburg reported.
“FC Bayern were informed that #MCFC were prepared to pay up to €100m – long before they signed Bouaddi/Fernandez.
“Pavlovic felt honoured by the interest and thought about it. But ultimately, he said NO. No negotiations with Bayern took place.”
Pavlovic’s decision came as Manchester City continued to reshape their midfield options during the summer. The club signed Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi, spending well over £200m on the three players, who joined Enzo Maresca’s squad after the approach for Pavlovic was rejected.
The Germany international has also been an important player for manager Jurgen Klopp during the international break. His energy and ability have suited Klopp’s high-tempo approach, with the midfielder continuing to attract attention through his performances.
Klopp was particularly impressed after Germany’s third Nations League match against Greece, when he praised Pavlovic’s all-round contribution.
“What a game by Pavlovic. He was everywhere!” Klopp said.
Pavlovic’s continued progress has kept him in the headlines, but his decision to stay at Bayern Munich means City were unable to add him to a summer recruitment drive that also included major investment in Anderson, Fernandez and Bouaddi.
Despite City’s willingness to commit up to €100m, no negotiations took place between the English club and Bayern Munich after Pavlovic made clear that he did not want to leave.