Bayern Munich received a significant boost last week as Dayot Upamecano finally signed a new deal. There has been speculation around Upamecano’s future over the last 12 months. Bayern eventually reached an agreement on a deal until 2030, four months before his last contract was set to expire.
Upamecano has been one of the best center-backs in Europe over the last 18 months. He has played his best football in Bayern colours under Vincent Kompany. The French defender’s good form had attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Bayern worked hard on negotiating the new deal for Upamecano, meeting his salary demands and reportedly inserting a release clause in his contract. His contract extension will certainly have an impact on Die Roten’s plans for the summer transfer window.
In an interview with Sport1 this week, Bayern’s director of sport, Max Eberl, admitted that the club will have a relaxed approach in the summer transfer window when it comes to strengthening the defense.
"We've reached a point where we're not under pressure regarding squad planning. We can calmly decide what happens next. Of course, we're still keeping an eye on the market. We certainly won't rule out any option that would benefit FC Bayern."Max Eberl
Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano are the first-choice center-backs for Vincent Kompany. Kim Min-jae is the third-choice center-back, while Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic can also play in the heart of defense. Unless there is a departure, Die Roten are unlikely to test the waters for a new central defender.
Kim Min-jae is a candidate for sale after being linked with a move away from Bavaria in the last two transfer windows. However, the South Korean defender has done well in the limited opportunities have got this season.
Bayern will focus on signing a full-back in the summer
To strengthen the back four, Bayern will focus on signing a full-back, specifically a right-back, during the summer transfer window.
Sacha Boey has left Bayern to join Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season. The Turkish club has the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer. It looks like Boey’s time in Munich has come to an end, irrespective of what happens at Galatasaray. Raphael Guerreiro is also expected to leave Die Roten at the end of the season on a free transfer.
Konrad Laimer is currently the first choice right-back for Die Roten. Stanisic and Tom Bischof can play in this position, but Die Roten will look for a right-back in the summer. They have identified Feyenoord full-back Givairo Read. Manchester City are also interested in the young right-back, but Bayern are confident about completing the deal for Read when the window opens in the summer.