Foreign clubs tempt Upamecano, Bayern urged to raise their offer | OneFootball

The future of Dayot Upamecano at FC Bayern remains uncertain. The French international is engaged in difficult contract negotiations with the record champions—and could become a litmus test for the new salary policy of Max Eberl and Christoph Freund.

According to information from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Munich club is making intensive efforts to extend his contract beyond 2026. In recent weeks, there has reportedly been significant progress regarding the base salary, according to BILD—a first breakthrough after a long standstill. However, one central issue continues to cause tension: the amount of the signing bonus being demanded.

Upamecano's camp is reportedly orienting itself on the sum Alphonso Davies is said to have received upon his extension—a signing fee of nearly 17 million euros. For Bayern’s bosses, this means additional pressure, as they must remain competitive with this bonus as well in order to keep the center-back long-term.

Top European clubs luring with attractive signing bonuses

Photo: IMAGO

The competition isn’t sleeping. According to Romano, several top European clubs have already expressed their interest to the player’s camp—including clubs from England, Spain, and Italy.

The problem: While Munich rejects an expensive signing fee, clubs like PSG, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are luring with attractive bonuses, as Romano reports.

Especially in the Premier League, Upamecano is considered a coveted transfer target due to his athleticism and strength in duels. Behind the scenes, talks and explorations are already underway.

Nevertheless, optimism remains in Munich. Talks are set to continue in the coming days, according to club sources. Both sides want to find a solution.

Bayern already planning alternatives – Guéhi and Schlotterbeck in focus

Photo: IMAGO | Photo: IMAGO,

While negotiations with Upamecano continue, Bayern is apparently preparing behind the scenes for all eventualities. According to BILD and Sky, the decision-makers have already identified potential successors. At the top of the list are Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace) and Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund).

Both players fit the profile required by coach Vincent Kompany: strong on the ball, solid in challenges, and with development potential. Schlotterbeck in particular, whom Bayern already had on their radar in 2022, is considered a possible candidate should Upamecano not extend his contract.

The situation surrounding Upamecano exemplifies the current challenge facing FC Bayern. The club is trying to stabilize its salary structure in the long term—while at the same time, it cannot afford to lose key players on the pitch.

The Frenchman is one of the most consistent center-backs in the Bundesliga and is highly regarded internally. Kompany sees him as a central pillar of his defense. A free transfer departure in 2026 would therefore be a severe loss—both athletically and financially.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.