Bayern Munich completed a crucial piece of business after the winter transfer window as they managed to agree a new long-term contract with Dayot Upamecano. The French defender had entered the final six months of his previous contract. With significant doubt about his future in Munich, Bayern were keeping tabs on several center-backs to replace him.
Borussia Dortmund center-back Nico Schlotterbeck had emerged as one of the top targets to replace Upamecano. The German defender has excelled for Dortmund and had a contract expiring in 2027. Die Roten were not the only club linked with Schlotterbeck. Real Madrid were also reportedly keen on the German international.
After Upamecano’s contract extension, Bayern don’t have an urgency to sign a new center-back. Even if they explore a move for a central defender, Schlotterbeck will unlikely be an option for him as Dortmund are close to securing his future.
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Dortmund are close to agreeing a new contract with Schlotterbeck, which will last until 2031. There is a broad agreement on financial terms, but a final approval from the German defender is needed to seal the deal.
The former Freiburg defender will become one of the top earners at Dortmund. Bayern can certainly explore a move for Schlotterbeck since his representatives have inserted a release clause in his contract.
Bayern currently have stability in central defense
Die Roten have managed to achieve stability in central defense by extending the contract of Upamecano. Jonathan Tah has seamlessly adapted to Bayern and formed a solid first-choice center-back partnership with Upamecano. Kim Min-jae has delivered good performances this season whenever he has replaced one of the first-choice central defenders.
The likes of Josip Stanisic and Hiroki Ito can also play in central defense, giving Kompany different profiles in the heart of the defense. Five solid players for two positions is good enough for Bayern to compete on all fronts.
Bayern's exploration of a move for a new center-back will hinge on the future of Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender has been linked with a move away from Munich in the last two transfer windows. As things stand, Kim Min-jae is reportedly content being the third-choice center-back as he rejected options in January.
The primary focus for Bayern in defense will be strengthening both full-back positions. They have reportedly opened talks with Feyenoord for Givairo Read. It remains to be seen which player they will pursue to strengthen the left-back position.