Transfer domino around Upamecano: Bayern waiting for the first stone | OneFootball

Which stone will start this transfer domino – and who will benefit in the end? At FC Bayern, the focus is currently on the centre-back position, as the situation surrounding Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Marc Guehi could have a decisive impact on the upcoming summer transfer window. Three top defenders, three expiring contracts, three world clubs watching each other: the situation is complex, fascinating and full of potential twists and turns.

FC Bayern are continuing to work on an extension with Dayot Upamecano. The 27-year-old is one of coach Vincent Kompany’s dream players, is held in the highest esteem internally and is to be tied down long-term. At the same time, however, Munich are also preparing for the eventuality that talks break down. As reported in the current BILD podcast„Bayern Insider“, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is at the top of the list of possible successors.

The England international will not renew his expiring contract at Crystal Palace, which opens the door for a transfer – and explains why Liverpool FC are also very interested in Guehi. The Reds are even considering a winter transfer if the situation with Ibrahima Konaté worsens. The French international has a contract offer on the table, but is still hesitant to sign.

Liverpool pile on the pressure – Bayern react attentively

photo: IMAGO

According to BILD head of soccer Christian Falk, FC Bayern is keeping a close eye on developments at Liverpool. „FC Bayern will pay close attention to how the decision is made. Liverpool are putting pressure on him, they definitely want to sell him if he doesn’t sign a new contract soon,“ Falk explained in the podcast.

This in turn has a direct impact on Munich’s transfer planning. According to Falk, Konaté and Guehi are not only the top candidates should Upamecano leave the club, but also serious options in the event that Minjae Kim can be sold in the summer. This shifts the domino picture: not just one stone can bring the structure to collapse – theoretically, two Bayern defenders could even rearrange their futures.

Real Madrid step up the pace – decision by the end of the year

Real Madrid are also involved in the background. According to the Spanish media, the Whites are keeping a close eye on all three defenders – with a clear preference for Upamecano. Real are looking for a long-term successor to Nacho and are planning to restructure their defence in the summer. Depending on the outcome of the contract talks in Munich, Upamecano could set a complete transfer carousel in motion.

BILD reporter Tobias Altschäffl emphasizes that the next few weeks will be decisive: „With Konaté, it’s towards the end of the year, with Upamecano it’s towards the end of the year, and then it will become clearer which direction both French internationals will go in.“ According to Altschäffl, everything is still open with Minjae Kim as well. The South Korean has a solid role, but is currently more in demand as a backup. Should an attractive option arise, a sale in the summer could well become an issue.

One thing is clear: as soon as one of the three centre-backs makes a decision, this will set the next steps in motion for all clubs involved. If Konaté extends, this will push Liverpool towards Guehi – and Bayern will lose an important replacement candidate. If Upamecano does not extend, Munich will have to react immediately. And if Real Madrid actually dare to make a move, a triangular transfer could result.