Contract talks heat up: Bayern stand firm on Upamecano | OneFootball

FC Bayern is apparently on the verge of a pivotal decision in contract negotiations with Dayot Upamecano. As reported by SPORT1, there is increasing discussion at Säbener Straße about taking a hard line in talks with the center-back.

According to reports, there are "strong voices" internally advocating not to improve the current offer to the Frenchman – even if it means the 26-year-old could leave the club for free in the summer.

The reason for this stance lies in the new salary structure that sports director Max Eberl and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen want to enforce consistently in Munich. Already last summer, the free transfer of Leroy Sané was a prominent example that fell victim to this strategy.

The officials apparently do not want to make financial exceptions for Upamecano either. The defense chief is said to have received an offer to extend, but according to Sky, the player's side demanded a salary of around 17 million euros per year and a high signing bonus – conditions that Bayern has so far been unwilling to meet.

Salary Negotiations as a Stumbling Block – Eberl Stays Firm

Photo: IMAGO

Despite Upamecano's strong sporting performances – he is a set defense chief under Vincent Kompany and has played in nine of the ten competitive matches so far – the negotiations threaten to fail.

The Frenchman feels comfortable in Munich but does not want to make concessions. If FCB does not raise its offer, a separation could be on the horizon next summer.

The club has given in to similar situations before: Alphonso Davies received a new contract with top salary and signing bonus in February despite tough negotiations. However, it is questionable whether the bosses will relent again this time.

Bayern Explores Alternatives for Contingencies

While talks with Upamecano are stagnating, Bayern is apparently already preparing for possible scenarios. According to media reports, the Munich team is monitoring several center-backs who could enter the market for free in the summer of 2026.

At the top of the list are Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace) and Murillo (Nottingham Forest). Nico Schlotterbeck (BVB) has also been mentioned as a candidate recently, but the German international emphasized that Borussia Dortmund remains his "first point of contact."

One thing is certain: If Upamecano does not extend his contract, FC Bayern faces a tricky defensive decision – between sporting continuity and economic prudence.

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