Liverpool could be set to receive a timely lift in their long-standing interest in Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano, as uncertainty continues to surround the defender’s future in Germany.
The French international is now approaching a critical point in his Bayern Munich career, with his current contract entering its final year. According to well-connected journalist Christian Falk, the Bundesliga giants have now imposed a firm deadline on Upamecano to make a decision regarding his future at the club. This development could significantly impact Liverpool, who have been monitoring the defender’s situation for some time.
In his latest CF Bayern Insider column, Falk explained that Bayern’s hierarchy are growing increasingly impatient as contract talks drag on. Despite Upamecano being an important figure under new head coach Vincent Kompany, the club wants clarity and is unwilling to allow negotiations to continue indefinitely.
Falk revealed that Bayern have given the defender until this weekend to commit to a new deal, leaving him with just 48 hours to decide whether he wishes to extend his stay or explore other options.
Falk wrote: “It is TRUE: Bayern Munich have set a deadline for Dayot Upamecano to decide on his contract future. I heard just yesterday that he’s going to have to hurry up with this decision, as we heard the date of the deadline is this Sunday (February 1). So, the centre-back doesn’t have a lot of time left to decide!”
This update will undoubtedly put several top European clubs on high alert, including Liverpool. Falk has previously confirmed that the Reds are among the teams keeping close tabs on Upamecano’s situation, especially given their own contractual concerns in defence. Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté is also edging closer to the final stages of his contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026.
In an earlier column, Falk highlighted the parallels between Liverpool’s situation and Bayern’s, stating that both clubs risk losing key defenders for nothing if new contracts are not agreed. He explained that Bayern have been attempting to tie Upamecano down to a new deal for nearly a year, but time is quickly running out. With the player able to leave on a free transfer next summer, his appeal to elite clubs has only increased.
“Liverpool, of course, have the same situation with Ibrahima Konaté,” Falk said. “He’s also going to be a free agent next summer. And yes, if Liverpool can get a player like Dayot Upamecano for free, that’s pretty good business.”
From Liverpool’s perspective, strengthening the heart of their defence is becoming increasingly important. The club previously attempted to sign Marc Guéhi, only for Crystal Palace to block the move, with the England international eventually joining Manchester City in January. With Konaté’s long-term future uncertain and Virgil van Dijk moving into the latter stages of his career, Liverpool are expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements this summer.
Upamecano could represent a high-quality replacement or long-term successor, though Liverpool would likely still need to add at least one more centre-back to fully future-proof their back line.
As Bayern’s deadline approaches, the coming days could prove decisive in shaping both Upamecano’s future and Liverpool’s transfer plans
