Dayot Upamecano: The Transfer Battle That Could Shape Next Summer
Dayot Upamecano’s future is rapidly becoming one of the biggest stories in European football. The French centre-back remains a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s defence, producing commanding performances week after week, but with his contract winding down, the balance of power is shifting. If no agreement is reached, he could walk away for free next summer—an opportunity clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid are monitoring closely.
For Liverpool, the stakes are high. Their failed pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi left them short of defensive reinforcements, and with Guehi still attracting heavy competition, the Reds must explore alternatives. Upamecano, at 26, is a proven Champions League defender, combining power, pace, and composure on the ball—exactly the profile Arne Slot wants to anchor his back line. Securing him would not only solve a pressing need but also signal Liverpool’s intent to rebuild at the very highest level.
Madrid, however, are also circling. With Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba entering the latter stages of their careers, Florentino Pérez is planning the next era of defensive dominance. A French international with Champions League pedigree fits perfectly into Madrid’s blueprint, especially given the growing French core at the Bernabéu.
Upamecano knows the value of his position. Negotiations with Bayern are ongoing, but he is pushing for a guaranteed €15–20 million salary and a release clause of around £104 million—similar to his current deal. At present, he earns up to €16m including bonuses, but he wants that figure locked in. Bayern face a dilemma: losing him for free would be disastrous, yet meeting his demands risks setting a precedent for others in the squad.
For Liverpool, this uncertainty presents an opening. With Virgil van Dijk approaching the twilight of his career, Ibrahima Konaté yet to commit long term, and Joe Gomez struggling with injuries, the need for a reliable defensive leader is urgent. Upamecano could step straight in, offering the pace, physicality, and tactical intelligence Slot’s system requires. The prospect of him lining up alongside Van Dijk at Anfield is a mouthwatering one for fans.
Still, Bayern are determined to keep their man, and performances like his dominant display against Chelsea in the Champions League only underline why. His value is clear, and the Bavarians will fight hard to avoid losing him to a rival. But every delay strengthens Liverpool and Madrid’s hand.
At 26, Upamecano knows this will be the most important contract of his career, one that will cover his peak years. Stay at Bayern and continue as a mainstay, or embrace a new challenge at Liverpool or Madrid, where he could build a fresh legacy?
This is the modern football power struggle in full view: top players running down contracts to gain leverage, and elite clubs jostling for position. For Liverpool, the message is simple—they need him. For Madrid, the attraction is obvious. For Bayern, the fear of losing him for nothing is real.
The coming months will decide everything, but one thing is certain: wherever Upamecano ends up, he will be a signing that changes the landscape.
