Not Angelo Stiller: Man Utd rival Man City for the 'next Toni Kroos'

Tom Weber

3 Oct 2025 20:17 BST
4 min read

Toni Kroos, Ruben Amorim, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United and Manchester City are both interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, according to German media.

Article continues under the video

The 21-year-old broke onto the scene two seasons ago, earning rave reviews for his assured performances in a star-studded team despite being a teenager at the time.

He has since gone on to make 62 senior Bayern appearances, although a flurry of minor injuries and illnesses has often halted his progress at the most inopportune time. Last year, he twice dealt with tonsillitis and missed his scheduled Germany debut in March as well as Euro 2024.

Current ETV

Aleksandar Pavlovic

DM (C)

Bayern

Aleksandar Pavlovic

DM (C)

Bayern

ETV Range

€65.8M - €80.5M

However, when he is fully fit, Pavlovic is one of Europe's classiest midfielders, which has seen him earn comparisons to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos. It has also seen him attract big-name attention around Europe.

A recent report claimed that Man Utd, Man City and other big hitters have taken a keen interest in the five-time Germany international. BILD has now investigated these assertions and found that the admiration from England is genuine.

Man Utd, Man City want Pavlovic

"There's not much movement at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain yet," reporter Tobias Altschaffl said. "It's absolutely true with regards to the English club, though.

"It is known that they approached Pavlovic's camp through intermediaries. They would like to sign Pavlovic. At City, he's even higher on the list [than at Man Utd]."

It is claimed that Man City view Pavlovic as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri, although the report erroneously states that the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner's contract expires at the end of the season. His deal actually still runs until 2027.

Man Utd, meanwhile, are known to be in the market for a midfielder who can cover ground and provide balance to Ruben Amorim's top-heavy side. Pavlovic could do just that, but he seems to be just one of a whole host of options under consideration.

"I've noticed recently that he's getting better and better physically; he plays with more assuredness," Altschaffl added. "His services would be in high demand in England.

However, Pavlovic is not looking to leave his boyhood club anytime soon. "A transfer is currently out of the question for him, but he's a hot prospect for the Premier League in the future," the journalist predicts.

Football transfer news headlines today

OFFICIAL: Arsenal complete RECORD-BREAKING transfer

Man Utd ‘agreement’ reached as Real Madrid take big Vini Jr decision – Transfer rumour recap

Enzo Maresca confirms Chelsea's long-term Cole Palmer replacement

007 Watch: Wirtz and the other Premier League stars under pressure

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store