Real Madrid's Dream Summer Free Transfer Target Slips Away in Crushing Setback
Dayot Upamecano is reportedly nearing an agreement on a contract extension with Bayern Munich, effectively ending Real Madrid's hopes of acquiring the French defender as a free agent this summer.
The 27-year-old has reached the final half-year of his current Bayern contract, making him eligible for pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs ahead of a potential free transfer. Real Madrid had been consistently mentioned as a suitor for Upamecano, following their established pattern of securing seasoned players without transfer fees.
This approach previously brought Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba to the Spanish capital. Trent Alexander-Arnold was set for a similar free transfer route before Madrid paid Liverpool €10 million ($11.7 million) to expedite the move for last summer's Club World Cup.
However, Upamecano appears unlikely to follow that path. BILD indicates that the France defender is "close to" finalizing new terms with Bayern. Agreement has been reached on signing bonuses, wages and a release clause in a contract reportedly worth €20 million annually.
"I think he should accept what's currently on offer, as it won't improve," Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen recently informed a Bayern supporters' group.
"We've presented him with an outstanding proposal because his performances over the last 18 months have been excellent. He's undoubtedly among the world's finest center backs."
When addressing the situation publicly, Upamecano has maintained composure. "I'm not under any pressure," he stated to reporters following Bayern's 5–0 friendly victory over RB Salzburg this week.
"I'm in discussions with Max [Eberl, Bayern's sporting board member] and Christoph [Freund, sporting director], and everything's positive. My relationships with everyone are strong. I'm optimistic we'll reach a resolution shortly, though I'm not working to any specific timeline. I'm delighted to represent this exceptional club and I'm focused on my on-field contributions; I'll let my representative handle the rest."
Real Madrid's Alternatives to Dayot Upcamecano
As late as November's conclusion, Real Madrid's primary three center back options were generally believed to be; Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Marc Guéhi. Now all three may be unavailable.
Similar to his fellow Frenchman, Konaté will become a free agent this summer, yet reports suggest Madrid have withdrawn their interest in the struggling Liverpool defender, who remains without a new agreement with the Premier League leaders. Guéhi seemed the next logical choice given his consistent performances despite approaching the end of his Crystal Palace contract, but Manchester City appears to have secured that pursuit.
Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck doesn't match the criteria of being available on a free transfer this summer, but he'll enter the final year of his contract by season's end. The seasoned left-footed defender has frequently worn the captain's armband this campaign, recovering from summer meniscus surgery to reestablish himself as a defensive cornerstone.
Madrid might also look internally. The club hasn't determined Antonio Rüdiger's future, with his contract expiring this year. While David Alaba has no Madrid future, his German teammate could still earn an extension based on second-half season performances.