Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has explained why he had no interest in leaving his hometown club despite an approach from Manchester City earlier this year. The 22-year-old German international confirmed that the Premier League club’s interest was flattering, but insisted that his attachment to Bayern and his hometown made the decision to remain in Munich a straightforward one.
According to Sport Bild, Manchester City made a serious enquiry about Pavlovic in March and were reportedly prepared to pay approximately €100 million for the Bayern academy product. The English club viewed the midfielder as a potential successor to Rodri, who departed for Barcelona. No formal transfer offer was ultimately submitted, however, with Pavlovic reportedly making clear that he did not wish to leave the German record champions.
Aleksandar Pavlovic: “The decision wasn’t a hard one for me”
Speaking in an extensive interview appearing in the Wednesday print edition of Sport Bild, Pavlovic acknowledged that receiving attention from one of Europe’s leading clubs represented recognition of his progress.
“First of all, it’s an honor when a top club like City comes calling,” Pavlovic explained. “I grew up in Munich, this is where I spent my formative years, and I’ve always played for FC Bayern. My family and friends live here—there’s nothing better for me than that. That’s why the decision wasn’t a hard one for me.”
The German international joined Bayern’s academy in 2011 and has spent virtually his entire footballing development at the club. Since making his senior breakthrough under Thomas Tuchel in 2023, Pavlovic has gradually established himself as an increasingly important component of Bayern’s midfield.
His development has been especially encouraging following a series of injuries and illnesses that interrupted his progress during previous campaigns. As discussed in Get German Football News’ comprehensive 2026/27 Bayern tactical preview, Pavlovic has become an integral part of Vincent Kompany’s preferred midfield structure alongside Joshua Kimmich.
Pavlovic also weighed in on the great debate surrounding Kimmich’s future place in the German national team, insisting that the DFB captain remained his preferred midfield partner.
He even suggested that Kimmich would be his first “phone a friend” should he need assistance on the German version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Pavlovic’s Germany performances underline his growing importance
Pavlovic’s development has also been reflected in his recent performances for Jürgen Klopp’s German national team. The midfielder delivered an outstanding performance during Germany’s 2-0 Nations League victory over Serbia earlier this month, operating as the lone defensive midfielder behind Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz.
Get German Football News‘ tactical analysis of Klopp’s first three international fixtures highlighted Pavlovic’s importance in helping Germany establish control through central midfield. The Bayern youngster accumulated 148 touches against Serbia, helping Germany dominate possession while providing a reliable platform for his more attack-minded teammates.
His growing influence at club and international level helps explain why Manchester City reportedly identified him as a potential replacement for Rodri. Pavlovic himself welcomed the comparison with the former Ballon d’Or winner, describing it as additional motivation to improve. The German international told Sport Bild that he hopes to continue developing until he establishes himself among the world’s elite midfielders.
For now, however, his ambitions remain firmly tied to Bayern Munich.
