Liverpool ‘hoping’ to sign Bayern Munich star in major summer move | OneFootball

Liverpool Linked with Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano

Contract Uncertainty in Munich

Dayot Upamecano’s future at Bayern Munich is suddenly under the spotlight. As reported by Christian Falk and Tobias Altschäffl in BILD, the French defender’s contract is set to expire next summer, and negotiations over a new deal have yet to reach a breakthrough. Bayern manager Vincent Kompany clearly values him, having started him in three of their first four Bundesliga matches this season. Since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021 for €42.5 million, Upamecano has played 158 competitive games for the Bavarian giants.

The risk for Bayern is clear: should talks stall, Upamecano could walk away on a free transfer – an outcome that would undoubtedly attract elite European clubs.

Interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool

According to Tobias Altschäffl on the BILD “Bayern Insider” podcast, Real Madrid are already circling. However, the report also revealed that Liverpool are monitoring the situation closely.

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This link makes sense. Liverpool could soon be without Konaté, another former Leipzig defender, whose deal is running down. Should Konaté leave Anfield, Upamecano would represent a high-quality, ready-made replacement.

Clock Ticking for Bayern

Interestingly, BILD note that if Upamecano does depart, Bayern could reignite their interest in Konaté – a player they considered before his 2021 move to Liverpool. That potential swap of sorts adds another fascinating twist to the story.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report is both exciting and unsettling. On one hand, the idea of signing Dayot Upamecano for free is a huge opportunity. He’s a proven defender at the highest level, with Champions League and Bundesliga pedigree, and at 26 he’s entering his prime years. He would slot seamlessly into Liverpool’s system, offering pace, physicality, and ball-playing ability – all attributes Arne Slot, and potentially his successor, would demand from a centre-half.

On the other hand, the speculation about Ibrahima Konaté’s contract will concern supporters. Many Liverpool fans see him as the natural long-term partner to Virgil van Dijk and eventually the leader of the defence once the Dutchman steps back. Losing him, especially to Bayern Munich, would sting – not least because it would feel like a step back for the club’s succession planning.

If Liverpool are truly keeping an eye on Upamecano, it signals the recruitment team are preparing contingencies. That’s smart, but it also underlines how delicate Liverpool’s defensive future could be. Fans would likely embrace Upamecano if he arrived, but most would hope it isn’t at the expense of Konaté.