Bayern contract talks stall: Real Madrid make Upamecano their top target | OneFootball

Dayot Upamecano has developed into one of the key players at FC Bayern under Vincent Kompany. However, the future of the French defense chief remains uncertain. While the Munich club is working on an extension, Real Madrid and Chelsea see their opportunity.

The contract of the 26-year-old central defender expires in the summer of 2026 – an extension is not yet imminent. Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund recently emphasized that it is a "longer story with Upa."

According to information from transfer insider Christian Falk, the talks remain complicated. Although both the club and the player generally feel comfortable with each other, the financial terms are still not aligning.

Real Madrid and Chelsea show great interest

Real Madrid and Chelsea are said to be closely monitoring the situation. Both clubs reportedly have Upamecano at the top of their transfer list. The Royals are looking for a long-term replacement for David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, both of whom could leave the club in the summer of 2026. According to Falk, Upamecano has even surpassed his national teammate Ibrahima Konaté (FC Liverpool) on Real's wish list. Thus, he is currently the preferred player for the defense center.

For the Madrid club, the scenario of a free transfer is particularly attractive – after all, David Alaba also came to Spain from Munich without a transfer fee. "Real loves top defenders on free transfers," says Falk. "That's their preferred model. Alaba, Rüdiger – and maybe soon Upamecano?"

Chelsea has also set its sights on the Bayern star. The Blues could let Axel Disasi go in 2026 and sign Upamecano as a successor. This would create an interesting dynamic – as the Londoners loaned Nicolas Jackson to FC Bayern this summer, who may now be permanently signed.

Upamecano extension more complicated than expected

Photo: IMAGO/MIS

FC Bayern is eager to keep the central defender but not at any cost. Upamecano wants to rise to the top earners at FC Bayern and, according to Falk, is demanding a significant salary increase. He is said to be aligning himself with the earnings of Alphonso Davies, who receives around 20 million euros per year (including bonuses).

Clearly, Bayern is keeping all options open. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed on Saturday that Bayern is actively scouting the market and keeping their eyes and ears open. In addition to BVB professional Nico Schlotterbeck, England star Marc Guehi is also being intensively linked with the German record champions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.