Liverpool weigh move for world-class defender amid €17m demand
Defensive rebuild shaping for 2026
Liverpool’s long-term planning continues behind the scenes, and according to Anfield Watch, the club could return to the transfer market for a centre-back in 2026. Having missed out on Marc Guehi late in the summer window, the Reds find themselves short in defence following Giovanni Leoni’s knee injury, which leaves Arne Slot with only three fit senior centre-backs.
Joe Gomez’s future remains uncertain and Ibrahima Konate’s contract is due to expire next summer. It is clear that Liverpool will need to reinforce their defensive line before the situation becomes critical. Whether they revisit Guehi as an option remains unclear, especially with non-English clubs now able to offer pre-contracts from January.
Interest in Upamecano grows
As Anfield Watch report, Liverpool have turned their attention to another target, with Dayot Upamecano emerging as a genuine candidate. His situation at Bayern Munich mirrors Konate’s in many ways. The French defender’s contract is running down, and negotiations over an extension are said to be complicated.
“Bild reports that Liverpool are very much in the mix for Dayot Upamecano,” the article states. “Like Konate, his contract expires at the end of the season and again like his compatriot, talks over a new deal are a struggle.”
The report adds that Bayern have agreed a wage package but are yet to meet the player’s demand for a €17m signing bonus. The number might sound extraordinary, yet it reflects the current financial climate where elite defenders hold increasing leverage.
Competition for signature
If Bayern refuse to meet his terms, interest from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United could complicate matters further. Still, Liverpool are understood to be monitoring developments closely.
“He’s a player who could fix serious problems for them,” the report concludes, and few would disagree. A defender of Upamecano’s calibre, with his pace, power and Champions League experience, fits Liverpool’s profile perfectly.
Strategic move ahead
Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, have demonstrated patience in waiting for the right opportunity. Whether €17m in bonuses proves a stumbling block or a statement of ambition remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Liverpool’s defensive rebuild has only just begun.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
The idea of signing a proven defender like Upamecano feels both ambitious and logical. The club’s defensive depth has looked fragile for too long, and with Konate’s contract uncertainty alongside Gomez’s fluctuating form, a major addition could redefine the back line.
The €17m signing bonus might sound excessive, but in context, it represents an investment in stability and elite experience. Liverpool’s recent history has shown that calculated spending on key players can pay dividends, just as it did with Alisson and Van Dijk.
There’s also the strategic dimension. Signing Upamecano would signal that Liverpool remain ready to compete financially with Europe’s biggest clubs. If Bayern hesitate, Liverpool could capitalise, especially if their own wage structure allows for creative incentives rather than headline-grabbing fees.
In truth, Guehi would be a smart long-term option too, but the appeal of Upamecano’s readiness for immediate impact is strong. Fans will hope the club act decisively rather than waiting until 2026. With the team still contending on multiple fronts, another injury could leave the back line exposed again.
If the opportunity arises, €17m might not look extraordinary at all—it might look like value.
