„Very, very far“: Bayern boss remains optimistic in Upamecano poker | OneFootball

FC Bayern have been working flat out for months to extend Dayot Upamecano’s contract. There has been no breakthrough so far, but things are moving behind the scenes. While there was still talk of tough talks recently, sporting director Christoph Freund has now sent a clear signal – one that has noticeably increased optimism at Säbener Straße

Upamecano himself continues to keep a low profile. During fan club visits, the centre-back limits himself to brief statements and merely refers to ongoing talks. This is in line with the club’s policy of not wanting to put any public pressure on the 27-year-old. This makes Christoph Freund’s words all the more remarkable

„Upa has presented himself at a world-class level over the last year and a half since Vincent Kompany arrived. It would be a very important extension for us. We are in good talks,“ explained the Bayern sporting director, underlining the sporting relevance of the Frenchman for the future of the record champions

Freund also made it clear that for Upamecano it’s about far more than just a new contract. „He’s 27, next year he’ll be 28 – that’s the best age for soccer. Accordingly, this will be a very important contract for him for the next three or four years,“ said the Austrian

Personal connection as a trump card in the contract poker

photo: IMAGO

Freund’s classification became particularly interesting when he spoke about his personal relationship with Upamecano. „I’ve known him for a very, very long time. I brought him to Salzburg when he was 16,“ said the sporting director, recalling their early days together in 2015. This relationship of trust could play a decisive role in the poker for an extension

And then came the sentence that should make many Bayern fans breathe a sigh of relief: „There’s no final decision yet, but we’re already very, very close.“

Although it remains to be seen when and whether the deal will actually be signed, the tone has changed. After weeks of reticence and contradictory signals, there are many indications that the club and player have come closer together. An extension with Upamecano would be a strategic milestone for FC Bayern – both in sporting and structural terms

Nothing has been signed yet, but for the first time in a long time it sounds as if the months-long contract poker could soon enter a decisive phase.