Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano on a free transfer in 2026, according to journalist Christian Falk.
The reigning Premier League champions are reportedly viewing the France international as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who has less than a year left on his contract and could depart Anfield in June.
While Bayern have been active in their efforts to renew Upamecano’s contract, they also face the risk of losing the 26-year-old for free at the end of the season.
Upamecano’s potential availability is reportedly turning the heads of multiple European clubs, with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain all monitoring him.
If he does not pen an extension by January, Upamecano will be free to strike a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club for a free transfer move next summer.
Liverpool Eyeing Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano of FC Bayern München.
According to Falk, talks over Upamecano’s contract extension have gone quiet in recent weeks, as Bayern are reluctant to meet his salary demands amid interest from several top European clubs.
Both Liverpool and Real Madrid are seen as potentially the two most attractive destinations for the 26-year-old, as both clubs are expected to look for a new central defender in 2026.
While Real Madrid are targeting a replacement for David Alaba and have concerns about Antonio Rudiger’s fitness, Liverpool have just lost summer signing Giovanni Leoni to a long-term injury.
The Italy international suffered an ACL setback in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup third round last week and is expected to return only next season.
The Anfield side targeted a new central defender in the final days of the summer transfer window and were close to signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Palace pulled out of the deal at the very last minute as they were unable to sign a replacement in time, and now face the prospect of losing Guehi on a free when his contract expires in June.
Upamecano, who joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, has been a key player for the German club since, making 219 appearances and registering 19 goal contributions.
The £207,000-a-week defender helped Bayern win the Bundesliga last season, his third league title at the club, making 20 top-flight appearances under Vincent Kompany.