Manchester United enter the race for Dayot Upamecano as Bayern contract talks stall
Even before the start of this season, discussion around Manchester United’s defence has intensified. The team have options such as Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro, who offer both experience and youthful potential. De Ligt has already become a starting option, and Manchester United showed faith in Harry Maguire in the summer, although questions remain over his future, as Saudi clubs are still interested.
Martinez has been out for a long time with injury and is unlikely to return before October. Yoro has made a strong impression, although a recent injury has restricted his availability for a while. Meanwhile, academy players Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson are moving towards the first team.
While Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have proved reliable on the right flank, Luke Shaw’s frequent injuries on the left and the long absence of Tyrell Malacia pose a challenge. Patrick Dorgu is regarded as a future hope, but at the moment this position seems the most fragile.
Dayot Upamecano in the headlines
Manchester United
Upamecano is known for his ability as a ball-playing center-back
Amid this context, Spanish outlet Fichajes has reported that Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano could become one of the biggest transfer stories of next year. His contract expires in June 2026, and he has not yet signed a new deal. In this context, Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG have started to keep a close eye on it. Currently, Upamecano is earning around €16 million in net salary and wants a significant increase in the new contract. Bayern Munich do not appear willing to break their salary structure, which opens the door to other big clubs.
Perfect opportunity for Manchester United:
This prospect is very exciting. Signing a player like Upamecano without a transfer fee could prove the icing on the cake for the club. He has already proved his quality in the Champions League and internationally, and his presence could inject new life into United’s defence. Not only is the Frenchman physically strong, but his passing and line-breaking ability make him stand out. Options like De Ligt and Martinez are already available, but Upamecano’s aggressive defensive style and long passing range offer a different profile. This is why the club might see the Frenchman as the missing piece of the team.
There are some concerns, though. He can be overly aggressive at times, which can lead to mistakes like fouls or losing position. The 26-year-old’s sprint speed can be exposed by quicker forwards, and a history of injuries also raises the risk. Still, he has played 20 league games in the 2024/25 season, which suggests he could be available regularly. The biggest question is about Upamecano’s salary, as his demands are very high and United will have to make sure that the club’s finances do not get strained.
How about the competition?
The competition is also tough. Real Madrid consider him an ideal free agent signing, following examples such as David Alaba, while PSG offer both the allure of playing in his home country and strong financial muscle. Manchester United’s strategy will therefore be to offer him a clear role and the dream of being part of the project being built in the Premier League.
Saudi Pro League clubs are still trying to sign Harry Maguire, and if that transfer happens, a player like Upamecano could offset Maguire’s departure. Ultimately, the decision will come down to salary, sporting project and the attractiveness of the league. United are certainly in the race, but the path will not be easy.