Real Madrid and Liverpool Interest ‘No Surprise’ as Bayern Munich Chief Sets ‘Main Goal’ to Tie Dayot Upamecano to New Contract

Bayern’s Main Goal: Keep Their Defensive Rock

Bayern Munich are known for planning ahead — but when it comes to Dayot Upamecano, time is suddenly not on their side. The 27-year-old French defender, whose contract runs out next summer, has become the center of one of Europe’s biggest transfer stories.

With Real Madrid and Liverpool reportedly circling, Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund has made it clear: the club’s “main goal” is to secure Upamecano’s future in Munich before it’s too late.

“It’s no secret that our main goal is to extend Upamecano’s contract,” Freund told reporters during a press conference this week. “It’s also not surprising that many clubs are interested in him — he’s performing really, really well, is a great guy, and one of the best centre-backs in the world.”

Upamecano’s deal at the Allianz Arena expires on June 30, 2026, meaning Bayern risk losing him for free if negotiations stall. The Frenchman will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in just a few months — and that possibility has already set alarm bells ringing in Munich.

Freund insisted that the player is happy and settled under new manager Vincent Kompany, saying, “He feels very comfortable in Munich — you can see that in the energy he plays with.” Still, the Austrian executive admitted that no agreement is imminent: “We are in talks, but there is nothing new to report at the moment.”

Dayot Upamecano

Real Madrid and Liverpool: No Surprise Suitors

When reports emerged that Real Madrid had already opened discussions with Upamecano’s representatives about a potential free transfer in 2026, few in Bavaria were shocked.

Madrid, who have been quietly reshaping their defense in recent years, see Upamecano as an ideal candidate to lead their backline into the future. With David Alaba approaching the twilight of his career and Antonio Rüdiger entering his thirties, Los Blancos want to add a defender in his prime — one who knows how to win at the highest level.

Upamecano fits that mold perfectly. At 27, he’s entering his peak years, combining athleticism with tactical maturity. His Champions League experience, particularly his commanding display in Bayern’s 2–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, reportedly made a lasting impression on Madrid scouts.

He also boasts strong connections to Madrid’s growing French contingent — including Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy — making his integration seamless should a move materialize.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also said to be keeping close tabs. The Merseyside club, looking for long-term successors to Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, admire Upamecano’s blend of physical dominance and ball-playing ability.

For Bayern, the competition only raises the stakes.

Oliver Kahn Slams Bayern’s ‘Weak Position’

One man who has not minced his words about the situation is Oliver Kahn, the Bayern legend and former club CEO. Speaking to Sky Germany, Kahn criticized the club for allowing a key player like Upamecano to reach the final stretch of his contract.

“The way he’s playing now — at the very highest level — it’s not just going to be expensive, it’s going to be very, very expensive for Bayern,” Kahn said. “The question is: why did you let Dayot enter the final year of his contract in the first place?”

Kahn suggested the club may have doubted the defender’s consistency in previous seasons: “Maybe they weren’t completely convinced of him a year or two ago. But now he’s performing at the top of his game, and that puts the club in a very weak position unless they’re ready to pay big money.”

Reports suggest Upamecano’s representatives are indeed pushing for a lucrative package — around €15 million per year plus a substantial signing bonus.

For Bayern, it’s a difficult balancing act: reward a player who’s been exceptional this season while maintaining their long-standing wage structure.

FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BAYERN

Upamecano’s Resurgence Under Vincent Kompany

Few could have predicted the transformation Vincent Kompany would bring to Bayern’s backline. The former Manchester City captain, known for his leadership and defensive intelligence, has helped Upamecano rediscover his best form.

Under Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, Upamecano’s performances fluctuated — moments of brilliance were often offset by costly lapses. But under Kompany, the Frenchman has become the cornerstone of Bayern’s defense once again.

Upamecano himself has been open about how much Kompany has influenced his development. “We all watched him when we were young; he was a legend for Belgium and Manchester City,” he said. “He was an aggressive defender, a leader, a real example for me. He helps me a lot. We watch a lot of videos together — he talks to me about my positioning. With him, it’s always very intense.”

Kompany’s approach — a mix of high tactical discipline and player empowerment — has clearly resonated with the 27-year-old. The results are undeniable: 19 appearances across all competitions, consistent performances, and a sense of confidence not seen since his RB Leipzig days.

His improved distribution, aerial presence, and composure under pressure have made him indispensable in Bayern’s system.

Freund’s Priority and Bayern’s Plan B

While Freund remains optimistic about securing Upamecano’s extension, he’s also pragmatic. When asked whether Bayern were scouting replacements — including rumors linking them to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté — Freund dismissed the speculation.

“We’re focusing completely on our players right now,” he said firmly.

Still, reports in Germany hint that Bayern’s recruitment department has Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck on a contingency list should negotiations with Upamecano collapse. The left-footed German international has impressed for Dortmund this season, and Bayern’s admiration is long-standing.

For now, though, all energy is directed toward keeping Upamecano in Munich. The club hierarchy — including President Herbert Hainer — has made his renewal a top priority, calling him “a crucial part of the club’s future defensive structure.”

Real Madrid’s Long-Term Vision

For Real Madrid, this situation feels like déjà vu. Just as they quietly secured David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern in 2021, Los Blancos could repeat the trick with another of the club’s defensive anchors.

Madrid’s sporting director Juni Calafat, famed for his ability to identify top-tier talent before their peak, has been monitoring Upamecano since his Salzburg days. According to Marca, Madrid view him as the ideal player to bridge the current generation with the next — a mix of experience, physicality, and tactical understanding.

With Carlo Ancelotti’s future now secure and the team evolving around young stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo, Upamecano would be the perfect defensive addition to complete Madrid’s long-term puzzle.

Liverpool’s Search for a Successor

Across the English Channel, Liverpool are quietly preparing for life after Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman remains one of the best defenders in the world, but the club knows they must start planning for succession.

Upamecano’s name has been floated within Liverpool’s recruitment circles for over a year. His speed, pressing intensity, and familiarity with high defensive lines make him a natural fit for Jürgen Klopp’s (and potentially Arne Slot’s) system.

Financially, a free transfer in 2026 could be a dream scenario for the Reds — if they can convince the player before Madrid do.

A Busy Schedule and a Warning from Kompany

While transfer speculation dominates headlines, Bayern’s immediate focus is on maintaining their 16-game winning streak. The team sits five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after their midweek win over PSG.

Ahead of their next match against Union Berlin, Kompany warned his players not to let complacency creep in.

“You have to completely switch gears mentally,” he said. “Union are tough — it’s not just about possession and pressing but also set pieces and duels. We didn’t win there last season, so everyone knows how difficult it will be.”

What Comes Next for Upamecano

For now, Upamecano remains committed to Bayern — at least publicly. The Frenchman has spoken repeatedly about how much he enjoys life in Munich and how Kompany has reignited his love for the game.

But football moves fast. Unless Bayern accelerate negotiations and meet his demands, the defender could soon have his pick of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Freund and Hainer know the stakes: lose Upamecano for free, and Bayern will not only lose one of the world’s best defenders — they’ll lose face in an increasingly competitive transfer market.

For Real Madrid and Liverpool, however, that possibility is anything but bad news.

As Kahn aptly summed up, “When a player of Upamecano’s quality becomes available, even for a moment, every top club takes notice. That’s just how football works.”

And right now, all eyes are on Munich — waiting to see whether Bayern can hold on to their man, or if another European giant will swoop in to steal one of the continent’s finest defenders.

At 27, Dayot Upamecano stands at a crossroads — between loyalty and opportunity, between the present and the promise of something bigger. For Bayern Munich, ensuring that crossroads leads back to the Allianz Arena is not just a goal. It’s their main goal.