„Should have extended long ago“: Bayern are annoyed by Upamecano poker | OneFootball

FC Bayern are once again facing a landmark contract decision in defense. In the BILD podcast Bayern Insider, Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl draw clear parallels between the transfer-free departure of David Alaba and the faltering negotiations with Dayot Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano should have extended his contract long ago – at least from the point of view of those responsible at Bayern. But weeks after the decisive talks, he has still not signed. For Christian Falk, the situation is highly explosive because it brings back memories of one of the most painful departures in the club’s recent history. „The Upa negotiations are actually exactly the lesson learned from the Alaba negotiations,“ explains the BILD head of soccer, summing up the record champions‘ main concern

The Alaba case as a blueprint – and warning signal

David Alaba left FC Bayern for Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2021 and took full advantage of his negotiating position. „He was on a free transfer, he could of course negotiate very differently,“ recalls Falk. The result is well-known: a top contract in Madrid that Bayern never wanted to pay in this form – and which is still regarded internally as a memorial today

This scenario is now threatening to repeat itself. Upamecano is also in a strong position, his contract is expiring and alternatives on the market are rare. „If they don’t pay him the money, then that’s what will happen to them,“ warns Falk with regard to Alaba. The message is clear: further hesitation could end up costing Bayern dearly

Upamecano hesitates – and that annoys Bayern

photo: IMAGO

Tobi Altschäffl also confirms that the patience of the club’s management is noticeably strained. „It should have been signed long ago,“ he says clearly. According to his information, the last offer has been on the table for several weeks. „It has been on the table for at least three weeks – and it is no longer being improved.“ Accordingly, those at Säbener Straße are visibly annoyed by the current situation

From Bayern’s point of view, this situation is problematic. The long wait is seen internally as a signal. „He can’t be that convinced, he’s just waiting for something else,“ says Altschäffl. Although there is still hope of an extension, the hesitation has already had concrete consequences for squad planning

Sporting director Max Eberl remains calm on the outside. At the pre-match press conference ahead of the Bundesliga game against FC Augsburg, the 52-year-old emphasized that they are „still waiting for an answer from Upa“

Missed options and strategic risks

One particularly tricky point is the transfer market. Altschäffl emphasised that Bayern are unable to act freely on the market due to the uncertainty surrounding Upamecano. Without clarity regarding Upamecano, it is difficult to pursue alternatives, such as Marc Guehi, who moved to Manchester City in the winter. Bayern were also interested in the Englishman, but with the handbrake on

For FC Bayern, the Upamecano case has long been about more than a simple contract extension. It’s about credibility, lessons learned from the past and the question of how far the club is willing to go financially with top players. Alaba has shown what happens when you wait too long

Whether Upamecano also takes this path or decides to stay will not only shape Bayern’s defence – but also the future negotiating strategy of the entire club. Or as Falk puts it: „These negotiations will decide whether Bayern has learned from its own history.