A-League: Who is Anthony Pavlesic?

Bayern Munich have snapped up talented young goalkeeper Anthony Pavlesic in one of the surprise transfers of the off-season.

It is no shock to see talented Australian players make the switch from the A-League to Europe, however they have usually caught the eye while playing in the A-League before heading overseas.

That is not the case with Pavlesic, who failed to make a first-team appearance for the Central Coast Mariners before making the switch to Bayern.

However, the 17-year-old is viewed as a hot prospect and has the potential to be a future Socceroos goalkeeper.

Bayern have spotted the potential and have snapped him up, but what do we know about Anthony Pavlesic and what will the Bundesliga champions be getting for their outlay?

Bayern swoop after Pavlesic trial

Pavlesic was handed a two-week trial with Bayern Munich in February and did enough during that time to convince the German giants to offer him a contract.

The 17-year-old has since penned a three-year deal with Bayern and will now get the chance to go on and make a real name for himself in Europe.

The Mariners would never stand in the way of such an opportunity for the player, and the club have also been compensated.

Central Coast have received an undisclosed six-figure transfer fee and will put that money towards strengthening their squad. A huge sell-on clause has also been included in the deal.

Nick Montgomery’s side won the 2022/23 A-League grand final and now the aim in the season ahead will be to defend their crown. They can be backed at 6.00 to do just that.

The Mariners have already moved on Garang Kuol, who will get his big chance with Newcastle United, and now all eyes will be on Pavlesic.

Top talent with huge potential

Pavlesic has been the regular number one in the Mariners NPLM NSW side and did sit on the bench in three A-League games without making a start.

Even so, he is known to be a top talent and standing at 1.90m has all the physical attributes to go a long way.

Montgomery is in no doubt he will go to the very top. The Mariners coach says that Pavlesic has ‘massive potential’ and believes it is the player’s work ethic that can take him a long way.

Pavlesic is already showing great maturity beyond his tender years. He is currently the captain of the Joeys, Australian under-17 side, picking up five caps, and has been tipped to be the main gloveman for the Socceroos for years to come.

Mariners Academy head coach Abbas Saad also rates him very highly, saying there are not many goalkeepers that are better than him in the country.

No-brainer for Bayern

For Bayern it was a simple decision to make. Their goalkeeping co-ordinator Tom Starke says Pavlesic made an instant impression.

Bayern were impressed with his positive attitude and physical attributes and at the age of 17 clearly believe he will only get better.

The six-figure fee will be a drop in the ocean for a club the size of Bayern Munich and it is a transfer that has little, if any, risk.

Pavlesic will go straight into the Bayern youth set up, where he is tipped to continue his rapid development.