Bayern Munich worked hard during the second half of last season to secure the future of their three key players. They negotiated a new contract with Alphonso Davies during the winter transfer window. Davies was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. However, the resurgence in form under Vincent Kompany and appreciation from Bayern convinced Davies to stay.
The Bavarian club negotiated a new long-term deal with Jamal Musiala in February. Musiala is considered the poster boy of Bayern. He signed a contract extension until 2030. Bayern rounded off the season by reaching an agreement with Joshua Kimmich for a new contract.
The three contract renewals had their unique challenges. Bayern have spent heavily on these three renewals, which have potentially set up the benchmark for future negotiations. The next big contract renewal will be that of Dayot Upamecano.
According to L’Equipe (via GFFN), Upamecano has requested big wages that reflect his status as the first-choice central defender under Vincent Kompany. The French media outlet also reports that negotiations with Upamecano will not be straightforward, and it will take significant time to complete the negotiations.
The French defender feels settled in Munich and likes to play under Kompany. He is keen on staying in Munich. These factors will work in Bayern’s favour in reaching a positive conclusion to the contract talks with Upamecano. The French international looks destined to start the season alongside Jonathan Tah in the heart of defense.
Upamecano was expected to leave Bayern last summer as he struggled for game time under Thomas Tuchel. However, the arrival of Kompany marked the beginning of the turnaround for the French defender. Matthijs de Ligt left Die Roten, while Upamecano became the first-choice center-back. Upamecano excelled for Die Roten until April as his season was brought to a halt due to a knee injury. Bayern missed him badly in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Bayern unlikely to sign one more defender this summer
Even though the contract talks with Upamecano will take time, Bayern have no plans to sign another center-back. They have been linked with Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, but he seems to be closer to joining Atletico Madrid. With Hiroki Ito expected to return to action in the coming months, Bayern will have several options in the heart of defense.
Things could change if Kim Min-jae ends up leaving Bayern. The South Korean defender has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Nassr, but Die Roten are yet to receive concrete offers for him.