
La Liga
The name of Dayot Upamecano is once again making waves in European football, this time with Real Madrid closely watching his future at Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid redesigns their defensive strategy focusing on Upamecano
Real Madrid has shifted its market philosophy in recent years: it is now not just about spending on big signings but also about identifying opportunities before a contract expires.
This summer, they spent over 180 million on Mastantuono, Huijsen, Carreras, and Trent, while also bolstering their squad with free acquisitions like Alaba, Rüdiger, and Mbappé.
The fact that there was a small fee paid to Liverpool for Trent to arrive early shows that the club is not giving up on financial cleverness.
With this mentality and as reported by AS, Upamecano is on Real Madrid's agenda. The 26-year-old French center-back is in his final season with Bayern and has not renewed his commitment yet. Madrid's interest, documented by various media outlets, is not new: his circle has reportedly already contacted the club to explore a deal similar to the one that brought him as a free agent in 2026.
Real Madrid is also considering other alternatives. Ibrahima Konaté is a priority, and William Saliba is under observation, although he seems inclined to renew with Arsenal.
Munich's Tension: Bayern fears a setback reminiscent of the past
From Munich, the message is clear: there is concern. Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, recently admitted, “It doesn’t surprise me that many clubs are interested in Upamecano” and stated that they want to renew with him, although he acknowledges that the process will be lengthy.
Eberl added that negotiations are underway, trying to persuade the player about Bayern's project. These concerns are not baseless: Bayern lost Toni Kroos when he decided not to renew and David Alaba, who joined Madrid for free in 2021. This recent experience weighs on Bayern's structure.
An additional obstacle arises from Bayern's salary policy. The club does not easily yield to high financial demands but has done so in some cases to secure key players. The most recent case was Alphonso Davies, whom they ended up renewing under highly favorable conditions to prevent his move to Madrid. According to the aforementioned source, Upamecano is demanding a salary increase to align with Bayern's star players, potentially complicating the agreement.
H3: The balance defining Upamecano's closure
In Bayern's tactical scheme, Upamecano remains a key figure. Under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, he has regained prominence and forms part of a considered solid defense. However, if the negotiation stalls, Bayern faces a dilemma: offer more, sell him this winter, or risk losing him for free next June.
Xabi Alonso and Madrid await the opportune moment
Meanwhile, at Real Madrid, under the sports direction of Xabi Alonso, scenarios are being diligently analyzed. The Spanish coach understands that the defense requires quality and experienced reinforcements. This perspective makes Upamecano a top-level option, provided the operation stays within the club's strategic boundaries.
Real Madrid might wait until January 2026 to activate a pre-contract (as permitted by regulations) if negotiations with Bayern are unsuccessful. The "free transfer" strategy frequently used by Madrid could come into play again.
Risks are being weighed in the Bernabéu offices: Rüdiger and Alaba have contracts ending soon and could depart, leaving immediate room for Upamecano. However, no decisions will be rushed.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich's showdown for Dayot Upamecano has just begun. In this nerve-wracking game, Madrid awaits its opportunity, while Munich races against time to prevent another painful departure reminiscent of the Kroos or Alaba times. Once again, Upamecano emerges as the focal point of a battle that could define the central defender market in Europe.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Bayern está aterrorizado por el Real Madrid