Upamecano? Why Schlotterbeck is a real option for Bayern | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, plans for the future are in full swing – and a tough negotiation is emerging around Dayot Upamecano. The French center-back's contract runs until 2026, but an extension is proving complicated. BVB star Nico Schlotterbeck could become the logical alternative for the Munich team.

According to BILD, the 26-year-old is demanding a significant salary increase as well as a bonus in the range of 17 million euros as a signing fee. Additionally, he wants a release clause included in his new contract. This presents a challenging situation for the club – even though Upamecano, in top form, is among the best center-backs in Europe.

Sports director Max Eberl remains calm nonetheless. "There is nothing to announce soon. We are handling this with all calmness and composure. We have clear ideas," he recently explained on Sky. But while negotiations are still ongoing in Munich, an interesting alternative could already be emerging.

Why Bayern must seriously consider Schlotterbeck

Photo: IMAGO

The name Nico Schlotterbeck is increasingly mentioned in this context. At Borussia Dortmund, the center-back is also the focus of tough talks about a contract extension. His current contract runs until 2027, but BVB wants early planning security – and according to BILD, Schlotterbeck is also demanding a salary increase. Reportedly more than 10 million euros per year.

This puts him in a similar range as Upamecano, but he could be cheaper and more long-term plannable for Bayern. The record champions are closely monitoring the situation, as an agreement in Dortmund also seems out of sight.

The situation is reminiscent of Niklas Süle's before his free transfer to BVB. The difference: This time, Bayern could benefit.

Financially and athletically: The case for the BVB star

Schlotterbeck fulfills several criteria that are attractive to Munich both athletically and strategically. On one hand, the left-footer is a strong-playing center-back who significantly enlivens the build-up play with precise long passes and shifts. On the other hand, he is considered more reliable, consistent, and tactically flexible than Upamecano, whose form curve often fluctuates.

From a financial perspective, a transfer would also be realistic: According to estimates, a total package including salary and transfer fee would amount to around 80 million euros – hardly more than what a new Upamecano contract would cost.

Furthermore, Schlotterbeck would perfectly fit into the "FC Germany" philosophy that honorary president Uli Hoeneß has emphasized for years: a Bayern team supported by the best German national players.

While the extension with Upamecano remains a priority, it would be negligent not to plan in parallel. Schlotterbeck offers the more complete package – in terms of play, character, and perspective.

If the negotiations with Upamecano reach financially untenable dimensions, Schlotterbeck would be the logical – and perhaps even better – solution.

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