Dayot Upamecano: Man United’s transfer hopes take a hit | OneFootball

Manchester United opted against signing a new defender this summer despite parting ways with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. The Swede left Old Trafford as a free agent, while Evans called time on his career at the end of last season.

While their departure opened up a gap at the back, Ruben Amorim was willing to defer plans to sign a new defender to 2026.

The Premier League giants signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt in the summer of 2024, and both have been heavily involved since the Portuguese head coach’s arrival

The Red Devils, though, are likely to target a new defender next year amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Harry Maguire. The English defender is in the final year of his contract and is no longer a first team regular under Amorim.

Elsewhere, Lisandro Martinez has suffered with injuries, while Luke Shaw remains linked with an exit as well.

Recent reports have suggested that United have set their sights on Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, whose contract expires next summer, to address the matter.

An established face in the European circuit

Upamecano first caught the eye with RB Leipzig, before securing a move to the Allianz Arena in the summer of 2021. Since then, the Frenchman has featured 156 times for the Bavarians, winning the Bundesliga title thrice.

His experience and expertise make him an ideal target for United. The Red Devils still look unsettled at the back under Amorim, and have already leaked in nine goals from five games this season.

As things stand, the 26 year old could also be available on a Bosman move next summer, and there’s already a beeline for his signature.

Real Madrid are reportedly hot on his heels, while Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are determined to sign him as well. However, it now appears that the Frenchman could end up staying at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich determined to keep hold of Upamecano

According to Fichajes, Upamecano is close to committing his future to Bayern Munich.

The two parties are engaged in talks, and the Bavarians are confident that he will stay. The Frenchman is settled at the Allianz Arena and isn’t considering a departure at the moment. It is believed that he could put pen to paper on a new deal in the coming weeks.

The chance of picking up Upamecano for free now seems too good to be true.  United will simply have to turn their attention elsewhere.

Featured image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images

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