Freund on Upamecano: „It doesn’t matter if it happens a day earlier or later“ | OneFootball

The future of Dayot Upamecano is currently one of the hot topics at FC Bayern. Ahead of the Bundesliga home game against Mainz, sporting director Christoph Freund spoke openly about the status of the talks and tried to take some of the pressure off the recently stalled poker

The Austrian made it clear how important the central defender is to Munich – and that, despite all the patience, a decision is being sought

„Upa is a world-class defender who performs at the highest level and is in great shape. He is a very important player for us,“ Freund emphasised at the press conference. At the same time, he confirmed that intensive work is being done behind the scenes: „There are intensive and very constructive talks. It is also a very important decision for him. He feels very comfortable with the team and with the coach.“

Friend’s classification of the time factor was particularly noteworthy: „We are positive, it is not important whether it happens a day earlier or later – for us it is important that it happens. It will no longer drag on indefinitely,“ he made clear. FC Bayern thus sent the signal that, although they are patient, they do not want to let the poker game drag on indefinitely

PSG and Real hot for Upamecano

The background to this is a negotiation situation that has been difficult for weeks. As reported by BILD, there has recently been a standstill between the club and the player’s side. Bayern have received the demands of Upamecano and his management, but there has been no movement for a long time. The kicker had also confirmed that the positions were clearly defined and that the player’s side felt no acute pressure to act. The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer, and he is expected to officially talk to other clubs from January

photo: IMAGO

A central point is the overall financial package. According to information from BILD, Upamecano is aiming to move up into the salary bracket of the absolute top earners in the event of an extension. According to the report, an annual salary of around 20 million euros and a high hand money are being discussed. This is precisely where the interests of Bayern and the player clash, because after several costly contract extensions, more restraint has recently been noticeable again at Säbener Straße

The situation is also explosive because of the international competition. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are said to be following the poker closely and would be in a financial position to fulfill Upamecano’s every wish.