Liverpool eyeing move for Dayot Upamecano | OneFootball

Liverpool have Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano on their transfer shortlist as the Reds look to bolster their rearguard, according to Bild.

Liverpool need to sign more centre-half options with Ibrahima Konate in the final year of his contract at Anfield.

The Premier League champions are also aware that the legendary Virgil Van Dijk is entering the twilight of his career, and they need a long-term replacement.

To make matters worse, Liverpool summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury that will keep him out for months.

Liverpool must give serious thought to signing another defender and keep an eye on Upamecano, who reportedly has a €120 million release clause.

The Frenchman is also entering the final year of his contract, and the Reds could swoop.

Upamecano has established himself as a stalwart for Bayern over the past few years, helping Die Rekordmeister keep a clean sheet in four league appearances this season.

The Liverpool target has won 50% of his aerial and 47% of his ground duels while emerging as a leader in the rearguard.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said (via Bundesliga.com), “He has become a leader. He plays strongly and consistently at a high level.”

However, beneath the surface, the numbers suggest caution with the 26-year-old defender.

Winning just half of his aerial duels and less than half on the ground is far from convincing for a defender expected to dominate in a Liverpool shirt.

Worse still, Upamecano has earned a reputation for costly mistakes on the grandest stage.

He has had high-profile Champions League slip-ups, raising serious questions about his composure under pressure.

The Reds cannot afford another centre-back whose lapses undo their hard work in tight knockout ties. Instead, the smarter move is to push hard for Marc Guehi.

Premier League-proven and entering the final year of his deal, Guehi represents a more reliable long-term investment.

If Liverpool can secure Guehi, then they should reconsider their pursuit of Upamecano, who can be inconsistent.