Liverpool interest in Dayot Upamecano grows amid Bayern Munich contract delay

Liverpool’s long standing hunt for defensive reinforcement has taken a fascinating turn after Sky Sports revealed fresh details on Dayot Upamecano’s stalled contract talks at Bayern Munich. According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the French centre back is yet to commit his future in Bavaria, despite a lucrative extension being placed on the table.

As Plettenberg told Sky Sports News:
“Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer.”

That offer is far from modest. Bayern are believed to be willing to tie Upamecano down until either 2030 or 2031, with a release clause included from the summer of 2027. Financially, it would make him one of the club’s top earners, as Plettenberg explained,
“He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.”

Despite this, Bayern have grown increasingly impatient. Plettenberg added,
“But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon.”
That delay has only heightened interest from elsewhere, with Liverpool firmly in the frame.

Bayern waiting as Liverpool monitor situation

From a Liverpool perspective, this is precisely the type of market opportunity they tend to track closely. Upamecano remains one of Europe’s most physically dominant defenders, blending recovery pace with a calmness in possession that aligns well with modern tactical demands. Bayern’s frustration appears to stem not from negotiations, but from the player’s hesitancy.

Plettenberg believes there is a very specific reason for that hesitation, telling Sky Sports,
“But my opinion is he’s waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.”

That comment alone will have caught the attention of recruitment teams across Europe, but especially at Anfield. The Merseyside club are quietly reviewing their long term centre back options, particularly with Ibrahima Konate yet to commit to a new deal. With Konate’s contract set to expire in June, Liverpool are rightly planning ahead.

The Sky Sports report leaves little doubt about Liverpool’s stance. Plettenberg was emphatic,
“Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that.”
That level of clarity rarely emerges without something meaningful behind it.

Contract details underline Bayern’s frustration

Bayern’s proposed package highlights just how keen they are to secure their defender. A long term commitment, a future release clause, elite wages and a signing fee for both player and agent would normally seal any deal. Yet Upamecano’s silence suggests that a Premier League move may be his priority.

Liverpool’s project under Arne Slot is still taking shape, but defensive stability has been a consistent focus. Upamecano’s experience in both domestic and European competition would provide immediate depth and future proofing. His comfort stepping into midfield or defending high lines would also complement Slot’s pressing style.

Strategic opportunity for Liverpool

Sky Sports have been careful not to overstate the likelihood of a transfer, but the message is clear. Bayern want an answer, Upamecano is waiting, and Liverpool are watching closely. As one source close to the situation put it, “He knows his next move will define his prime years.”

For Liverpool, this could be a rare chance to sign an elite defender before the rest of the market fully awakens.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report feels like a quiet warning that Liverpool’s recruitment team are preparing for a significant defensive shift. With Konate still not signed up beyond June, the idea that Upamecano could be lined up as a potential replacement makes a lot of sense. He is at the right age, has played at the highest level, and crucially, fits the physical and technical profile that Liverpool value.

What stands out most is Plettenberg’s claim that Upamecano is “waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.” That suggests the player sees Anfield as a genuine elite destination, not just a fallback. For supporters, that is hugely encouraging. It points to the club’s continued pull on the European stage, even in a transitional period under Arne Slot.

There is also a sense that this could become one of those deals Liverpool move on quickly if the timing is right. Bayern’s frustration creates leverage, and if Konate’s situation remains unresolved, Upamecano suddenly looks like a very logical target. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that this develops into something more concrete before the summer window gathers pace.