No agreement in sight: Upamecano edging closer to Bayern exit

FC Bayern faces a key personnel decision in their squad planning: The future of central defender Dayot Upamecano remains uncertain. Despite intense efforts by sports director Max Eberl and sports director Christoph Freund, talks about a contract extension have so far remained without result. A departure in the summer of 2026 is becoming increasingly likely.

As Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg reports in the podcast Mia san vier , a difficult scenario is increasingly emerging. Accordingly, a free transfer of the French defense chief in the summer of 2026 is becoming more likely: "At the current time, a free transfer of Upamecano is more likely than a contract extension," emphasizes Plettenberg.

The 26-year-old's contract runs until June 2026. Both sides basically want to continue – but their financial expectations are far apart.

Photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images

As Plettenberg further reports, there are several sticking points in the negotiations with the French national player: "The fact is: There are two or three very important elements in the negotiations with Upamecano, and they can't agree. So far, they have not been able to agree on salary, signing fee, and a release option."

These special conditions are considered central negotiation points in today's professional football. Upamecano and his management are reportedly insisting on an improved salary package – including bonus payments and a one-time signing fee in the event of an extension. The Bayern officials have so far been reserved.

"It remains to be seen whether Bayern will go along with this," says Plettenberg. The club management does not want to trigger a salary spiral, having only recently redefined internal structures and salary scales.

Behind the scenes, FC Bayern is already working on scenarios in case Upamecano actually leaves the club. Plettenberg confirms: "Max Eberl is going full throttle, but I don't see Upamecano's extension at the current stage. That's also the reason why Bayern is exploring and checking various options in the market."

In recent weeks, Munich has been repeatedly linked with central defenders from home and abroad – including names like Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) and Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) or Murillo (Nottingham Forest). All three are considered possible successors if no agreement is reached with the Frenchman.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.