Dayot Upamecano is believed to be a key target for Liverpoolplaceholder image
Dayot Upamecano is believed to be a key target for Liverpool | Getty Images
Liverpool are expected to ramp up their search for defensive reinforcements in January
In-demand Bayern Munich central defender Dayot Upamecano has sent a clear message to clubs interested in signing him in the January transfer window.
Upamecano, like Guehi, is in the final season of his contract and is on course to become a free agent when his deal expires in June. He’s seen by many as a viable option to replace Ibrahima Konate, whose contract situation also remains in limbo.
However, Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of three-time Bundesliga title winner Upamecano, with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan also keeping tabs on the situation.
Dayot Upamecano makes his feelings clear amid growing transfer interest
Bayern Munich centre-back Upamecano has told reporters that he’s very happy at the Allianz Arena in an attempt to play down discussion of a big-money January move.
Upamecano has started all but two of Bayern’s opening 11 matches in the Bundesliga this term and is seen as a fundamental player in Vincent Kompany’s high-flying team.
After getting on the scoresheet in Bayern’s 6-2 defeat of SC Freiburg on Saturday, Upamecano told reporters: “I am very happy here. He [Vincent Kompany] is an outstanding coach and we talk a lot. ‘It’s fun to play under him! I’m very pleased that he has extended his contract. We all feel very comfortable under him.”
Is Dayot Upamecano likely to leave Bayern Munich?
Upamecano recent comments have done little to silence speculation surrounding his long-term future with the German champions. Recent reports emanating out of Germany referred to the defender’s contract talks as being similar to the "game of poker”, adding that discussions between the player’s camp and Bayern Munich officials had been “dragging on for months’”
“No, no. It has nothing to do with money,” said Upamecano when quizzed about his long-term future. “We’re discussing it. We talk a lot with [Bayern directors] Max Eberl and Christoph Freund.I’m satisfied, I’m having a good season, I’m doing my job, I’m giving everything for this club. I could say that 100 more times, but we’ll see what happens.”
Liverpool’s interest in the defender comes amid growing speculation that Konate could be about to follow Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the door to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Konate was central to Liverpool’s title triumph last term, but has struggled to get anywhere near the same standards this season, with the Reds sitting in 11th position while trailing leaders Arsenal by 11 points already at this early stage.
Liverpool, who were five points clear of Arsenal after five matches, have remarkably lost six of their last seven league games and have already conceded 20 goals, amplifying the need for defensive reinforcements.
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