Just a couple of months ago, Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard was at the exit door with his bags packed. The only question was whether he would leave for Spain, Italy or elsewhere. By all accounts, staying with the German champions was the least likely option for him. But here we are.The French international scored two goals in Bayern’s win over Bavarian neighbours Augsburg last weekend – with the first being a volley Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud of. Suddenly, Pavard is close to signing a new contract at Allianz Arena.Benjamin Pavard now has 5 goals in all competitions this season – a new personal best for him pic.twitter.com/YeXztXHsfI— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 11, 2023 The brace he scored in the 5-3 win was his first in Bayern colours. As if the day was supposed to be one to remember. Although he was ineligible to play against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League last week, many fans noted that he celebrated passionately and seemed like a person who feels a genuine attachment to the club he looked destined to leave not so long ago.The 26-year-old former VfB Stuttgart player was beaming after his 150th competitive game for Germany’s most successful club.”I’m delighted to score two goals. That volley was particularly pleasing. I love goals like that. The team worked hard for each other, just like in the game against Paris. Many players were still tired, but we did well to win.”Bayern’s flag still at the summit – Augsburg fall at the Allianz ArenaBesides the goals, Pavard looked his dynamic self at the back. Even though Yann Sommer conceded three goals on the days, the French defender’s display pleased Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.”It’s pleasing to see Benji doing so well for us. Over the past month and a half, he’s been one of our best players. He comes to training with a smile every day. He’s happy, he’s working hard and is in a good place physically and mentally. We’ll take care of everything else in due course.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7088115##”Everything else” Salihamidzic is talking about is, of course, Pavard’s new contract. His current deal is due to expire in just over a year. Despite speaking openly about changing clubs some six months ago, it seems that all differences between the 2018 World Cup winner and the club’s structures have been resolved.Head coach Julian Nagelsmann also hinted that all parties wish to continue together.”I think Hasan can see for himself that Benji is performing well, that he always wants to win. Now he’s scored goals, too. He also played very well in the Champions League in Paris. And I know that he feels extremely comfortable with the coaching team and feels in good hands there.”Nagelsmann is using a formation with three centre-backs more than ever, so it’s another reason he wants to keep Pavard at any cost. The Frenchman’s versatility is a valuable asset as the Bavarians continue to battle on three fronts – in the Champions League, Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. All that’s missing is some ink on a paper.
