Barcelona take the lead in race to sign €50m Real Madrid defensive target – Report | OneFootball

Following the departure of Inigo Martinez in the summer transfer window, FC Barcelona are once again active in the defensive market.

The Catalan side are exploring options to reinforce their backline, particularly as Ronald Araujo has struggled to secure a consistent starting spot and continues to be linked with a possible exit from the club.

One of the names now emerging on Barcelona’s radar is Dayot Upamecano, the Bayern Munich centre-back whose contract with the Bavarian side expires in June 2026. The Frenchman has yet to agree on an extension, sparking interest from several European giants.

Barcelona take the initiative in the race

According to Fichajes, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also monitoring Upamecano’s situation closely. However, Barcelona are believed to have taken the lead in the race for his signature, having moved swiftly to establish contact and position themselves advantageously ahead of their rivals.

The prospect of signing one of Europe’s top defenders on a potential free transfer has naturally attracted significant attention. For Barça, whose financial flexibility remains limited, this represents a rare opportunity to strengthen their defence with an elite-level player without breaking the bank.

Moreover, with Araujo’s future still uncertain, the arrival of Upamecano would offer both immediate reinforcement and leadership in central defence, an area where the Blaugrana have struggled with depth and consistency in recent months.

Furthermore, Flick’s tactical approach, built on speed, anticipation, and structured buildup from the back, perfectly suits Upamecano’s style of play. The €50 million-rated Frenchman’s comfort on the ball, ability to read the game, and physical strength make him a natural fit for Barcelona’s system under Flick.

Madrid rivalry adds intrigue

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also keeping a close watch on developments. Los Blancos view Upamecano as a long-term solution to bolster their own defensive depth and are expected to compete strongly for his signing. However, Barcelona’s proactive approach could tilt the balance in their favour.

For now, Bayern Munich maintain that the defender will remain with the club until the end of his contract, but the possibility of a pre-contract agreement cannot be ruled out. With multiple elite clubs circling, speed and precision in negotiations will be vital for Barcelona’s sporting department.

Should the Catalans succeed, the arrival of Dayot Upamecano would not only enhance the team’s defensive solidity but also send a strong signal to their rivals that Barcelona remain capable of competing for top talent in the transfer market.