Aleksandar Pavlovic stayed at Bayern Munich despite Manchester City interest

Manchester City explored the possibility of signing Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic during the summer transfer window, but the Germany international chose to remain with the Bundesliga club.

According to German outlet Sport1, Pavlovic was included on Manchester City’s list of potential targets. The Premier League club was prepared to pay up to €100m for the 22-year-old, but the player was not interested in leaving Bayern Munich.

Pavlovic’s contract with the Bavarian side runs until 2029, and his preference to continue developing at the club meant Manchester City ultimately decided not to make a formal offer.

The midfielder is regarded as an important member of Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich squad. Manchester City first asked about his availability in the spring, an approach that was known to Bayern’s hierarchy.

The English club renewed its interest during the 2026 World Cup. However, Pavlovic again had no desire to consider a transfer. Following the tournament, Manchester City’s need to find a replacement for Rodri became clearer, but that did not change the player’s decision to stay in Munich.

Pavlovic joined Bayern Munich in 2011 and progressed through every level of the club’s youth system. He was officially promoted to the first-team squad in 2023 after establishing himself as one of the academy’s most promising midfielders.

Since making the step up, Pavlovic has made 102 appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value at about €90m.

His long-term contract and position within the first-team plans helped Bayern retain a player who had attracted interest from one of Europe’s leading clubs. Pavlovic’s decision also ended Manchester City’s attempt to strengthen their midfield with a young Germany international.

The report adds to the growing profile of Pavlovic, who has become a regular part of Bayern Munich’s senior setup after spending more than a decade inside the club’s academy.

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