Liverpool remain in the mix to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old, who reached the World Cup final with France in 2022, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Bayern were confident they could extend Upamecano’s current deal, but TZ claim that a request to include a €65m (£57m) release clause is causing issues.
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The German publication also say that the Frenchman has been “offered” to the Reds, with Barcelona and Real Madrid in contention as well, if he does end up leaving the Allianz Arena next summer.
Upamecano’s preference is to stay at Bayern
The release clause issue and a request for a €20m (£17.5m) signing-on fee may suggest otherwise but TZ report that the player would like to remain with the Bundesliga champions.
Upamecano is said to be “comfortable” in Munich, but he will be able to speak directly to foreign clubs, including Liverpool, as of January 1st.
If talks over a contract extension do drag on, the chances of the centre-back moving on a free transfer will increase.
Liverpool are looking at several centre-backs
At the moment, it seems the likelihood of Upamecano agreeing a switch to Anfield is pretty low, but sporting director Richard Hughes is said to have his eyes on alternatives.
Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck are reportedly on the club’s radar.
Interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has not gone away either, but Bayern are pushing to recruit the centre-back, along with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
It is not known whether their interest in Guehi is related to Upamecano’s situation, but it does seem as if the Reds’ plans to strengthen the middle of defence could be scuppered by the German giants on multiple fronts.
Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here