Liverpool fans are used to busy transfer windows, but this season the speculation has kicked off even before January. A new name has entered the mix, one that carries serious weight in European football and immediately sparks thoughts of power, composure, and elite defending. Reports in Germany suggest Liverpool are monitoring Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano — a centre-back earning £168,000 per week, whose contract is winding down and who could be available on a free transfer next summer. Given Liverpool’s current situation, it’s no surprise the story is gaining momentum.
The Reds find themselves in a tricky spot. After spending over £400 million last summer to reshape the squad under new boss Arne Slot, most of the focus was on midfield reinforcements. But the long-standing concern at centre-back was left unresolved. Liverpool chased Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace until deadline day, only for the deal to collapse, leaving Slot frustrated. The squad looked okay on paper — Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, and promising teenager Giovanni Leoni — but football isn’t played on paper.
Within days, disaster struck. Leoni suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, ending his breakthrough campaign before it began. Suddenly, Slot was down to just three senior centre-backs. Van Dijk, still the leader, is entering the twilight of his career. Gomez remains unreliable due to inconsistency and injuries. Konate is world-class when fit, but his fitness record has long been a concern. The gaps are glaring, and Liverpool know they can’t ignore the issue any longer.
Enter Upamecano. According to BILD, Liverpool have joined the race to secure him, with Bayern still undecided about extending his contract. Should they fail to act, the Frenchman could walk for free. For Liverpool, the potential reunion with Konate is enticing — the pair were once a dominant defensive duo at RB Leipzig, with natural chemistry and a strong bond on and off the pitch. Bringing them back together at Anfield could recreate that fearsome partnership.
Timing also plays a role. Konate has yet to commit to a new deal, and Real Madrid are reportedly circling, not only around him but also eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation. The possibility of losing Konate only increases the appeal of bringing in Upamecano as both cover and reinforcement.
Performance stats back up the idea that he’s no downgrade. Last season, despite fewer minutes than Konate, Upamecano registered more progressive passes and ball recoveries, proving his value. He may have flaws — occasional lapses under pressure in big games — but in the right setup, especially alongside Van Dijk or Konate, his strengths outweigh his weaknesses.
Financially, the move also makes sense. While his wages are high, a free transfer would ease the burden compared to an £80–100 million signing. For FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes, that would be seen as smart business.
Still, fans are divided. Some want Liverpool to go all-in for Guehi, a younger defender with Premier League experience. Others argue Upamecano, especially on a free, is the pragmatic option: proven, international, and ready-made for the top level. Either way, Leoni’s injury has forced Liverpool’s hand, and action will be required soon.
Bayern, too, face a major decision. They could try to tie him down with a new contract, or they could look to move him on in January rather than risk losing him for nothing. Liverpool are known for moving quietly in the market, and the Frenchman’s existing relationship with Konate makes the transition smoother.
At Anfield, the need for reinforcements is undeniable. Van Dijk won’t last forever, Gomez can’t be relied on, and Konate can’t carry the defence alone. Upamecano ticks too many boxes to overlook — age, ability, availability, and chemistry with existing players.
Ultimately, this is about ambition. Liverpool cannot afford another season undone by defensive fragility. They must show intent in the transfer market to keep pace with rivals. Upamecano may not be perfect, but he could be the missing piece that helps Slot build his first great Liverpool side.
The rumours are growing louder on both sides of Europe, and Liverpool are watching closely. The only question now is whether they’ll act in January or wait until summer to strike what could prove to be one of the smartest deals of the decade.
