Manchester City were prepared to offer €100m for Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, but the 22-year-old rejected the possibility of a move before the two clubs could enter formal negotiations.
The first approach from the Premier League club came in March. According to Bayern & Germany, citing German journalists, Manchester City regarded Pavlovic as a transfer target and were ready to put forward a fee of €100m for the Germany midfielder.
However, Pavlovic immediately turned down the proposal. His decision meant the interest did not develop into official discussions between Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Pavlovic is said to feel comfortable at Bayern Munich and remains focused on achieving his ambitions with the club. Those ambitions include winning the Champions League with the Munich side.
The midfielder’s current contract with Bayern Munich runs until 2029, leaving the club in a strong position regarding his future. There is no indication in the report that Pavlovic is seeking a departure, and his refusal to consider Manchester City’s approach prevented the transfer from progressing.
Manchester City subsequently moved on to another midfield target in Ayoub Bouaddi. The English club eventually signed Bouaddi from Lille for €95m.
That deal followed City’s unsuccessful attempt to pursue Pavlovic, whose position at Bayern Munich remains secure under the terms of his long-term contract. While Manchester City were willing to commit a substantial fee, the player’s own response ensured that the proposed move did not reach the stage of negotiations between the clubs.
Pavlovic’s decision also meant Bayern Munich were not required to consider whether to accept or reject a formal bid. The proposed €100m offer remained an approach that never became an official transfer proposal, with the player’s immediate refusal ending the matter at an early stage.
Manchester City’s attention then shifted to Bouaddi, who became the alternative option and was ultimately bought from Lille for €95m. The French club therefore completed the sale of the player after City had failed to make progress with Pavlovic.
For Bayern Munich, Pavlovic’s contract provides certainty through 2029, while the midfielder’s reported desire to remain in Munich gives further clarity over his intentions. His stated objective is to help Bayern Munich win the Champions League, rather than pursue a move to Manchester City.
The episode nevertheless underlines the scale of City’s interest in the Bayern midfielder. They were ready to offer €100m, but Pavlovic’s decision not to accept the approach meant that no formal talks took place and the Premier League club had to identify another target.
