Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich during Champions League match
Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn has slammed his former club for what he describes as a “very weak and extremely expensive” situation surrounding Dayot Upamecano’s contract renewal.
The French defender, who has rediscovered top form under manager Vincent Kompany, is entering the final year of his current deal — a development that could see Real Madrid or Liverpool swoop in for his signature.
Upamecano joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2021 for €42 million and has since become a key figure in the Bavarian defence. His current deal runs until 2026, but negotiations for an extension have hit a wall.
Reports suggest the 26-year-old is demanding around €15 million per year, alongside a hefty signing bonus. Bayern, meanwhile, are hesitant — but with Upamecano’s recent resurgence, hesitation may prove costly.
Under Kompany, the Frenchman has returned to his dominant best, thriving in a disciplined, high-energy system. “He helps me a lot; we do a lot of videos, he talks to me about positioning,” Upamecano said of his manager. “With him, it’s always very intense.”
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kahn didn’t hold back in his criticism:
“The way he’s playing now, at the very highest level, it’s not just going to be expensive — it’s going to be very, very expensive for Bayern. Why did they let him enter the final year of his contract in the first place?”
The former goalkeeper added that Bayern’s hesitation has backfired:
“The only explanation is that Bayern weren’t happy with him a year or two ago. Now, he’s performing brilliantly. When you’re in the final year of a contract, you’re in a very bad position as a club unless you pay a lot.”
According to reports, Real Madrid have already made contact with Upamecano’s representatives regarding a possible free transfer next summer. The Spanish giants are in the market for a defensive leader, with David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger both nearing the twilight of their careers.
Upamecano’s style fits perfectly with Xabi Alonso’s tactical vision — fast, physical, and composed under pressure. He would also find familiar faces in Madrid, with fellow Frenchmen Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Mendy in the squad.
Liverpool, PSG, and Barcelona are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely. However, Madrid appear to have the edge, thanks to their long-term planning and strong French core.
If Bayern fail to secure a renewal soon, they risk losing a world-class defender for nothing — a nightmare scenario for a club that prides itself on efficiency and foresight.
As Kahn warned, “replacing Upamecano now will not just be difficult — it’ll be extremely expensive.”
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