Bayern Munich: Dayot Upamecano relishing competition
Bayern Munich has signed a central defender for the fifth summer transfer window in a row. The Bavarian club was forced to sign a center-back this summer. Lucas Hernandez decided to reject a contract offer from Bayern to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Die Roten made sure that PSG paid a significant fee for Lucas Hernandez. The French international ended up becoming the biggest sale for Bayern along with Robert Lewandowski. Rekordmeister used this fee to sign Kim Min-jae from Napoli. The South Korean defender was courted by Manchester United and Newcastle United, but Bayern moved swiftly to activate his clause at the start of July.
Kim Min-jae was one of the best center-backs in Europe last season. He helped Napoli to clinch the Serie A title after three decades. Bayern is getting a quality modern defender that is entering the peak years of his career. Thomas Tuchel currently has four options in central defense for next season- Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Upamecano is not unfazed by the competition in the center-back position. While talking to Bild (via iMiaSanMia) on Wednesday, the French defender insisted that he never considered leaving Bayern this summer. He believes that healthy competition for places in the starting XI is necessary for top teams.
"“I didn’t think for a second about leaving FC Bayern. I will fight for my place.”“He is a very good reinforcement, he makes us better. This competition belongs to international top teams. I accept that, I’m ready to fight for my place.”"
After a mixed debut season, Dayot Upamecano had a solid Hinrunde with Bayern last season. He was a mainstay in the starting XI under Julian Nagelsmann. Even after Nagelsmann’s departure, Upamecano continued to remain first choice central defender for Bayern under Thomas Tuchel.
The French international endured a problematic phase in April against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final. He made big mistakes across two legs. Upamecano’s form dipped after these two poor performances, and he missed a few games in the final stretch of the season due to injury.
Upamecano will hope that the poor run of form is behind him as he starts the new season with Bayern. It remains to be seen what Tuchel’s preferred center-back pairing will be for next season. However, all center-backs will end up getting a considerable amount of game time across the campaign.
Next. Bayern will open contract talks with Kimmich in autumn. dark
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Bayern may have another senior center-back option by the end of the transfer window if they manage to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City. The English right-back has the experience of playing as a central defender in a back three. Bayern remains hopeful about signing Walker after agreeing personal terms with him. The Bavarian club continues to negotiate with Man City over a transfer fee.