Bayern Munich have been locked in contract talks with Dayot Upamecano since the second half of last season. The French defender has entered the last year of his contract, which has led to interest in him from top clubs across Europe.
Upamecano feels settled in Munich. He has been the standout defender for Vincent Kompany in the last 18 months. He is one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Belgian coach at Bayern. Considering how crucial he is to Kompany’s plans. Bayern are eager to keep Upamecano beyond this season.
The former RB Leipzig defender is settled in Munich, but there remains uncertainty around his future since talks have hit an impasse between both parties. The wages are reportedly a stumbling block in negotiations between Upamecano and Bayern. The latest report in Germany suggests Bayern are looking to take special effort to kickstart contract talks.
According to the Bayern Insider podcast of SportBild (via GGFN), Bayern are ready to insert a release clause in the new deal for Upamecano. The French center-back wants to play in the Premier League one day, so a release clause may help him to secure a move to England in the future. It remains to be seen what the ballpark figure for the release clause will be in Upamecano’s new contract.
Bayern are facing a race against time to agree a new deal with Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano will be free to talk with interested clubs in January regarding a free transfer deal in the summer. Liverpool and Real Madrid have been linked with the French defender, while Manchester United have shown interest in the past.
Bayern should ideally look to wrap up negotiations with Upamecano one way or the other before the start of the winter transfer window. Lack of clarity regarding his future will be a distraction for the team and player during the second half of the season.
The record Bundesliga champions are looking at center-back options in the market in case Upamecano ends up leaving on a free transfer. There is also a lot of uncertainty around the future of Kim Min-jae. The Bavarian club has a concrete interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. Die Roten are expected to hold further talks with Guehi in January to reach a pre-contract agreement. Apart from Guehi, Bayern are also keeping a close eye on the situation of Nico Schlotterbeck at Borussia Dortmund.