Manchester City eyeing move for Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic

Manchester City are preparing for the future by targeting Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri. Despite the Spaniard’s recent return from a serious ACL injury and his ongoing importance to Pep Guardiola’s system, City are understood to be considering their options in midfield as they look to maintain dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Rodri, who missed much of the 2024-25 campaign due to injury, has returned strongly this season, starting three of City’s first five Premier League fixtures. His ability to shield the defense, dictate tempo, and contribute in attack has made him one of the most indispensable players in Guardiola’s squad. However, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027, City appear to be planning ahead by identifying young talents who could eventually take over the role.

Aleksandar Pavlovic, just 21 years old, has quickly risen through the ranks at Bayern Munich to establish himself as one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects. The German international has already accumulated 61 appearances for the Bavarian club, contributing four goals and three assists. His ability to operate as a deep-lying midfielder, combined with his composure on the ball and tactical intelligence, has caught the attention of several elite clubs, with City now emerging as serious admirers.

Pavlovic’s profile aligns with the qualities Guardiola traditionally values in his midfielders. His technical ability allows him to thrive in possession-based systems, while his defensive awareness and work rate make him a reliable option off the ball. At just 21, his ceiling for development is high, and under Guardiola’s guidance, he could grow into one of the most complete midfielders in the world.

Euro Football Rumours

Internationally, Pavlovic has already made an impact for Germany, scoring once in his five senior appearances. His progression at both club and international level suggests he has the mentality and talent to compete at the very top. That being said, prying him away from Bayern Munich will not be straightforward. The youngster is under contract with the Bundesliga champions until the summer of 2029, putting Bayern in a strong negotiating position should City make a formal approach.

For City, this pursuit highlights their long-term planning under Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team. With Rodri still central to the side in the short term, any move for Pavlovic would likely be part of a gradual transition rather than an immediate change. The club has a track record of identifying and integrating top young talents, and Pavlovic could be the latest to follow in those footsteps.

While no official bid has been reported, the links between Pavlovic and Manchester City underline the Premier League champions’ intent to future-proof their midfield. With Bayern Munich holding firm thanks to his long-term contract, it remains to be seen whether City can tempt the German side into negotiations. What is clear, however, is that Aleksandar Pavlovic has become one of the most closely watched young midfielders in European football, and his future will be a storyline to follow in the coming transfer windows.

For all transfer rumors, news and much more regarding European football stay tuned to us at eurofootballrumours.com.

To stay up to date on the latest from Euro Football Rumours on social media, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of the eurofootballrumours.com. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the article lies entirely with the author.

Would Aleksandar Pavlovic be a good signing for Manchester City?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.