Star Player Faces Make-or-Break Contract Deadline as Liverpool and Real Madrid Circle
Bayern Munich anticipate receiving Dayot Upamecano's decision regarding his club future within the coming week, according to fresh reports. This development could open the door for the defender to move to Real Madrid or Liverpool.
With fewer than six months remaining on his Bayern contract and no agreement on fresh terms, Upamecano faces a crucial period. Sky Sport Germany reports that the German champions are losing patience and plan to completely retract their contract proposal if the player continues delaying his decision.
The report indicates that the supervisory board has authorized sporting director Max Eberl, who expressed over the weekend that a resolution "must be reached" either way, to allow Upamecano to depart as a free agent should he fail to accept the proposed deal by week's end.
Bayern have forfeited their final chance to secure a transfer fee for Upamecano with the January window now closed, though maintaining their wage structure and preventing players from controlling negotiations appears to take priority.
Additional German reports indicate disputes over a €20 million ($23.7 million, £17.3 million) signing bonus included in the new contract proposal. Beyond a €20 million yearly wage, Upamecano reportedly desires the bonus paid immediately, while Bayern prefer to distribute it over time.
The player's representatives are also believed to be pushing for a €60–65 million release clause that could be triggered from 2027 onwards, potentially exposing Bayern to losing him after merely one season despite paying a bonus equivalent to an entire year's salary.
Which Club Could Dayot Upamecano Join?
Which Club Could Dayot Upamecano Join?
Should Upamecano enter free agency in the upcoming months, it would introduce an elite centre-back to the transfer market, certain to attract numerous clubs. While no transfer is truly 'free' at this level, the substantial signing bonus that unattached players receive remains considerably lower than what a transfer fee for someone of Upamecano's caliber would typically cost.
Free agency offers Upamecano no certainties compared to accepting Bayern's current proposal, but it represents a potentially far more profitable route if he's prepared to accept that gamble.
Liverpool and Real Madrid have emerged as the strongest contenders and would likely lead the pursuit.
The Premier League titleholders, despite a recent winter acquisition of Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes, will require additional defensive reinforcements. Ibrahima Konaté might still leave when his deal expires on June 30, while Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 this July. Inexperienced teenager Giovanni Leoni, sidelined until next campaign, and frequently injured Joe Gomez represent the only other senior centre-backs in Liverpool's current roster.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have frequently utilized the free transfer market for defensive signings—especially centre-backs: Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba—in recent seasons. Both Rüdiger and Alaba are approaching the twilight of their careers, increasingly battling injuries and facing contract expiration this year.
Éder Militão excels when healthy, but currently faces an extended absence with a thigh muscle injury, having also endured two ACL tears since 2023.
Manchester United, who showed interest in Upamecano during his youth days at Valenciennes over ten years ago, could emerge as a possibility, considering Harry Maguire's uncertain future beyond this season due to his expiring deal.