Bayern’s Hold on Upamecano Tightens as Liverpool Looms and Real Madrid Eyes Free Moves
2 November 2025
Contract talks with Upamecano continue as Bayern resist pressure from Liverpool
Max Eberl, Bayern Munich's sporting director, reaffirmed the club's intent to extend French defender Dayot Upamecano's contract, despite persistent rumors linking him with a move to Liverpool.
Upamecano's deal expires at the end of the current season, and there has been no renewal agreement yet.
Liverpool have been connected with a center-back from RB Leipzig in the past, particularly given a potential exit for their own defender Ibrahima Konate.
Konate's own contract with Liverpool runs down at season's end, while Real Madrid reportedly show strong interest in the Frenchman.
Liverpool previously failed to land Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer, and their new signing Giovanni Leoni has already suffered a knee ligament injury on his debut.
Eberl argues Upamecano is among the best defenders in the world, which explains Bayern's desire to keep him in Munich.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Eberl praised Upamecano's rise, noting that he has evolved into one of the world's best after overcoming a phase of costly mistakes.
He added that Bayern are working hard to offer a new contract and keep him in Bavaria.
Madrid and Liverpool eye moves as contract terms stall
Sky Sport Germany reported that Upamecano and his representatives stand firm on their demands in renewal talks with Bayern.
The report also says the final decision rests with Bayern, who must decide whether the salary terms fit the club's policy and finances.
Upamecano's demands include a substantial salary increase and a renewal bonus of 17 million euros, a figure that clashes with Bayern's wage ceiling and financial framework.
Nevertheless, sporting director Eberl reiterates that Upamecano remains a top priority, though some in the club advocate a firm stance even if it means losing the player on a free next year.
Spanish newspaper AS has linked Real Madrid with Upamecano for next summer, adding another layer to the saga.
Madrid has recently leaned on free transfers of high-profile players to bolster their squad, with names like Arnold, Mbappe, Alaba, and Rudiger cited as examples of that strategy.
Liverpool continues to monitor the situation, hoping to strengthen their defense ahead of 2026, potentially with a free transfer to counter a possible Konate exit to Real Madrid.
Bild in Germany also linked Liverpool with Upamecano as a potential free transfer to offset Konate's possible exit to Real Madrid; they name Virgil van Dijk, Konate, Gomez and the newcomer Giovanni Leoni among Liverpool's defensive options, with Leoni's first appearance marred by an injury.
Real Madrid would stand to gain as they pursue either Upamecano or Konate, aligning with their policy of signing players whose contracts have expired.
Spanish reports suggest Madrid could secure one of the French defenders on a free transfer, a move that would reinforce their defense without a transfer fee.
For now, Real Madrid have yet to finalize their position on either defender, but the ongoing contract talks suggest the door remains open for a landmark deal.
Punchline: In this transfer saga, Bayern’s budget might need more than luck, it might need a miracle. Punchline 2: If Real Madrid signs one on a free, you can call it a clearance sale with a football twist.
