Real Madrid plotting Dayot Upamecano move amid Bayern Munich contract stand-off | OneFootball

Real Madrid are once again circling the free-agent market, and Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano could be the next big name on their radar.

According to SPORT, Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the defender’s contract situation with the Bundesliga champions ahead of potentially snapping him up on a free transfer next summer.

Upamecano is entering the final year of his contract with Bayern but negotiations over a new deal have stalled.

Sources from Germany claim both parties cannot see eye to eye on salary demands, with the French defender keen on a pay rise that Bayern are reluctant to match.

That stand-off has sparked attention from several clubs across Europe and opened the door for Madrid to swoop in.

Considering how prolific Los Blancos are in the free-agent market, they could easily get Upamecano to sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

It would not be the first time the Spanish giants have taken advantage of such circumstances. In 2021, David Alaba left Bayern for Madrid on a free transfer, and history could repeat itself with Upamecano.

Ironically, Upamecano joined Bayern as a direct replacement for Alaba at Bayern. He could do so again at Madrid, with Alaba’s contract set to run out next summer.

Antonio Rudiger’s contract also runs out next summer, so Madrid are planning a defensive overhaul and Upamecano could be the first one through the door.

They’ve already signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and now view Upamecano as a long term partner for the highly rated Spanish centre-back.

Over the past few years, Madrid have consistently picked up some of the best players in the world without paying transfer fees.

They did so with Kylian Mbappe and more recently with Trent Alexander-Arnold, although they paid Liverpool a stipend to get him in early for the Club World Cup.

Upamecano fits that profile and his experience at both club and international level makes him a highly attractive option for Madrid president Florentino Perez.