The link between Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano has shifted from a "summer target" to a potential "emergency move"
The latest reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg and other sources suggest that Liverpool are seriously exploring a late swoop for the Bayern Munich defender to address their current defensive crisis.
Upamecano’s contract at Bayern Munich is set to expire in June 2026. While he has been in talks with the German giants for an extension, negotiations have hit a major impasse:
The Bayern Offer: Bayern have placed a final contract offer on the table (running until 2030 or 2031) worth approximately €20m per year. They have explicitly stated they will not improve these terms.
The Stalling Point: The 27-year-old has yet to sign. Reports suggest he is "waiting" to see if concrete offers materialize from his "dream" destinations: Liverpool or Real Madrid.
The Release Clause: A sticking point in negotiations has been a release clause, with Upamecano’s camp wanting it active as early as this summer.
Why Liverpool are Moving Now
While Liverpool originally viewed him as a free-agent opportunity for the summer, the situation changed following the January 28th match against Qarabag:
Injury Emergency: With Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni all injured, and Ibrahima Konaté absent, Arne Slot is down to a single senior center-back (Virgil van Dijk).
Immediate Need: The club is reportedly weighing whether to pay a fee now to secure him immediately rather than risking a bidding war—or losing him to Real Madrid—in the summer.
Upamecano by the Numbers (2025/26 Season)
Upamecano has been in elite form under Vincent Kompany, making him a highly attractive "plug-and-play" option for Slot’s system.
Bundesliga form: Named in 3 of the last 5 Team of the Seasons.
Recovery pace: Ranked in the top 5% of European defenders for recovery sprints.
Passing Accuracy: Maintaining 92% completion rate, ideal for Liverpool’s build-up.
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