Bayern Munich honorary president provides update on Real Madrid target’s future | OneFootball

Real Madrid will enter the market for a new centre-back in the summer of 2026, with David Alaba expected to depart and question marks lingering over Antonio Rudiger.

A shortlist of potential targets has already been prepared, with names like Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace featuring.

Both players are currently in the final year of their contracts at their respective clubs and could leave as free agents in the summer.

Guehi, for his part, is certain to not sign a renewal at Crystal Palace. But, Bayern Munich are making great efforts to convince Upamecano to pen a new deal and continue at the club.

Bayern Munich confident about Upamecano extension

Talks between the Bavarian giants and Upamecano’s camp have been going on for some time now, although a breakthrough has not yet been achieved.

Despite that, there is growing optimism in the German champions’ camp about retaining their key defender beyond the ongoing season.

Bayern Munich working to renew Upamecano. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

In fact, Bayern Munich Uli Hoeness seems confident that Upamecano will end up signing a new deal with the club.

“I think he will extend his contract,” Hoeness told Sky Sports Germany earlier today when asked about the renewal talks between the club and the player’s camp.

If true, it will come as a big blow for Real Madrid, who saw Upamecano as a key target for the summer of 2026.

While the Merengues were also monitoring Upamecano’s compatriot, Ibrahima Konate, they have recently ended their pursuit of the Liverpool star.

So, it will be interesting to see who Real Madrid target to reinforce the defence, with Guehi also attracting significant interest from several top clubs.