Bayern Munich showed defensive prowess against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The defending Bundesliga champions had to play with ten men while protecting a lead of 2-0. Bayern ended up winning the game 2-1 to extend their winning run to 16 games.
Dayot Upamecano played a crucial role in Bayern’s win against PSG. The French defender started the move for Luis Diaz’s first goal. Upamecano defended valiantly and helped his team return to Munich with three points.
The former RB Leipzig defender has been consistent under Vincent Kompany. It is fair to say he has been Bayern’s best center-back in the last 18 months. Considering Upamecano’s performances this season, it is not surprising to see Bayern working hard on a contract renewal. However, reports in France suggest that Upamecano is in talks with another club.
According to Footmercato, Real Madrid and Upamecano are close to reaching an agreement on personal terms. The French international has eight months left on his current deal at Bayern. He can sign a pre-contract agreement with an interested club in the winter transfer window.
Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their defense next summer. They have been looking at market opportunities with concrete interest in Upamecano and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on free transfer deals at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich still hopeful about new deal while PSG monitor the situation
Footmercato also reported that Bayern are still working on a contract extension. They are not giving up on keeping Upamecano beyond this season. The Bavarian club was in a similar situation with Alphonso Davies earlier this year. Real Madrid were keen on signing him, but the Canadian ended up signing a new deal at Bayern in February.
Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping a close tab on the situation of Upaemcano. The French club got to see the French defender’s qualities in the flesh on Tuesday. As things stand, Real Madrid are the only club that has shown concrete interest in Upamecano.
Max Eberl and other Bayern officials have consistently insisted that the club is doing everything to reach an agreement with the French defender. Upamecano feels settled in Munich, but it does look like both parties are not in agreement over the salary package. There have been murmurs in German media that Die Roten may include a release clause in Upamecano’s new deal.
As things stand, Bayern need to make their move or else Upamecano may end up at Real Madrid like David Alaba did a few years ago.