Star Player Shuts Down Liverpool and Real Madrid Dreams with Shock Contract Extension
Both Liverpool and Real Madrid will need to explore alternative defensive targets this summer following Dayot Upamecano's contract extension with Bayern Munich, ruling out the France defender as a potential acquisition.
With Upamecano having just six months remaining on his Bayern contract, the Bavarian giants reportedly delivered an ultimatum when contract talks reached an impasse. This strategy proved effective, as the defender has now committed to a four-year extension through 2030.
Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund praised Upamecano as offering the "complete package," highlighting exactly why multiple clubs were eager to secure his signature as a potential free agent.
Both Liverpool and Real Madrid face defensive reconstruction needs, making the prospect of acquiring Upamecano without a transfer fee particularly attractive.
The Premier League titleholders must begin considering long-term plans for Virgil van Dijk's replacement, as the Dutch captain approaches his 35th birthday in July. Questions surround Ibrahima Konaté's future given his expiring deal, while Joe Gomez continues to battle fitness issues. Young prospect Giovanni Leoni, currently injured until next season, represents the only other central defensive option.
Regardless of Konaté's decision, Liverpool must realistically strengthen their defensive ranks.
Real Madrid faces comparable challenges. Antonio Rüdiger's contract expires this year amid growing injury concerns. David Alaba, who has battled fitness issues since his 2023 ACL injury, is also approaching the end of his deal. Éder Militão has endured another season disrupted by injuries.
Which Centre Backs Can Liverpool, Real Madrid Sign in 2026?
Which Centre Backs Can Liverpool, Real Madrid Sign in 2026?
With both clubs entering the transfer market, they're expected to target several identical players.
Marc Guéhi nearly joined Liverpool last September and attracted significant Real Madrid interest before Manchester City swiftly secured his services last month.
Should Konaté—whom Van Dijk describes as a "world-class centre back"—depart Liverpool as a free agent, he would immediately become a Madrid target. Links to the Bernabéu had cooled following his sluggish start to 2025–26, but the Frenchman is now returning to his previous high standards.
Nico Schlotterbeck and Castello Lukeba emerge as Bundesliga alternatives. Schlotterbeck particularly appeals given his contract will have only one year remaining after this season, while the Borussia Dortmund vice-captain, at 26, offers greater experience and proven quality compared to the 23-year-old Lukeba.
Joel Ordóñez represents a promising long-term investment. The highly-regarded 21-year-old emerged from Independiente del Valle, the same Ecuadorian academy that developed top defenders Piero Hincapié and Willian Pacho, plus Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo. However, his current stint with Club Brugge in Belgium would make any move a significant leap forward.
Micky van de Ven deserves monitoring as well. The 24-year-old Dutch defender seems to have overcome last season's injury setbacks and, as an exceptional athlete, ranks among the Premier League's finest centre-backs when healthy. Tottenham Hotspur's struggles, potentially including an unlikely relegation battle, could facilitate his departure.