Spanish football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly gearing up for a heated transfer battle over Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, whose contract situation in Germany has opened the door to a potential blockbuster move.
The French international’s current deal with Bayern Munich runs until June 2026, but uncertainty surrounds his long-term future at the club. According to Sky Germany, renewal talks between the defender’s representatives and Bayern have stalled over salary expectations and signing-on bonuses.
Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has expressed the club’s desire to keep Upamecano, yet negotiations remain at a standstill — a situation that has quickly alerted Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to Foot Mercato, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely monitoring developments and are ready to pounce should Bayern fail to secure a contract extension.
For Real Madrid, the pursuit of Upamecano mirrors their previous move for David Alaba, whom they signed on a free transfer from Bayern. With Antonio Rudiger and Alaba both expected to leave the Santiago Bernabéu at the end of the season, Los Blancos are in dire need of a commanding new centre-back.
On the other hand, Barcelona face their own defensive crisis. The Catalans have yet to find a reliable replacement for Inigo Martinez following his departure in the summer. Manager Hansi Flick reportedly remains unconvinced by Ronald Araujo, while Andreas Christensen’s injury record and reliance on Eric Garcia and 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi have left Barça dangerously short at the back.
Upamecano’s physicality, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence make him a dream signing for both clubs — and his potential availability as a free agent only intensifies the rivalry.
Whether he ends up in Madrid’s white or Barcelona’s blue and red, one thing is clear: Dayot Upamecano could be the next centrepiece in the ongoing power struggle between Spain’s two footballing titans.
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