Benjamin Pavard is back in training with Bayern Munich after ‘a back problem,’ while ex-Inter legend Lothar Matthaus insists going to San Siro ‘would not be an upgrade’ for the player.
The two clubs agreed terms for €30m plus bonuses and the France international is pushing hard for a move, but the Bundesliga giants will not release Pavard until they have signed a suitable replacement.
That is taking far longer than expected and Inter are fast running out of patience, ready to turn on to different targets such as Torino centre-back Perr Schuurs or Japhet Tanganga from Tottenham Hotspur.
Pavard missed the weekend game and had skipped training for several days, fuelling reports he was on the verge of an exit.
However, this afternoon Bayern Munich released a statement confirming Pavard had “returned to training after a back problem.”
Matthaus has experience of both clubs and spoke to Sky Sport Deutschland about the Pavard situation.
“The former directors had promised Pavard he could leave at the end of the season, but with new chiefs, there are new rules,” said Matthaus.
“As this was promised, Pavard is now sulking. He was also not used in central defence the way he wanted. He has always been a reliable, impeccable professional.”
Matthaus wore the Inter jersey from 1988 to 1992, while he had two different stints at Bayern Munich from 1984-88 and again from 1992-2000.
“With all the love I have for my ex-club, I have to say that right now going from Bayern Munich to Inter is not an upgrade. Even if the Nerazzurri had a good season, reaching the Champions League Final and winning the Coppa Italia, Bayern are a more important club on the European stage.
“I do think the main thing here is that Pavard wants to play as a centre-back and increase his time in that role to be first choice for France.”
Bayern Munich field Pavard mostly as a right-back and the replacements they are seeking on the market are in that role.