Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has made it clear that extending Dayot Upamecano’s contract is a top priority for the club. The French centre-back, who joined in 2021, is out of contract next June, and with several European giants circling, Bayern are trying hard to keep one of their key players beyond 2025. However, Upamecano’s high wage demands have made negotiations challenging.
Upamecano talks intensify as top clubs monitor situation
Eberl confirmed that discussions with Upamecano and his representatives are ongoing, describing them as 'intensive.' The 26-year-old’s camp knows exactly how much interest there is from abroad, with Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool all said to be keeping an eye on him. Upamecano, who joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2021, is reportedly asking for a salary of around €20 million per year, a figure that would make him one of the club’s highest earners. His stance isn’t surprising, especially after teammate Alphonso Davies reportedly secured a €17m signing bonus in his new deal running until 2030.
While they wait for Alphonso Davies to recover from his ACL injury, Bayern have turned their focus to securing new deals for key players, including Upamecano. However, the defending Bundesliga champions are also keeping their options open should talks fail to progress, with Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck emerging as one of the potential targets.
AdvertisementAFPBayern stays mum on Schlotterbeck rumours
While the rumours keep surfacing, Eberl says Bayern’s main focus is still on keeping their own stars tied down before thinking about new signings.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern director said: "I won't comment on an opponent's player before a game like this.
"We have very good central defenders in Kim Min-jae, Jona Tah, and Upa. That's the big issue for us, Upamecano's extension. That's paramount for us. If these issues change, we'll look at the market."
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany shared the same view, downplaying speculation around the club's interest in Schlotterbeck.
"I only see Schlotterbeck as an opponent tomorrow," Kompany said. “I know his profile well. He’s a strong player and has a good understanding with Guirassy."
Schlotterbeck attracting big interest
Despite Bayern’s denials, talk around the German defender's future isn’t going away. Schlotterbeck has reportedly delayed extension talks with Dortmund despite club's interest, and several big clubs, including Liverpool, who reportedly see him as Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor, are keeping a close eye on him.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers this season, playing over 3,000 minutes and putting up strong numbers, averaging six clearances, 1.3 interceptions, and one block per game, along with a league-high seven accurate long balls per 90 minutes.
Bayern optimistic over Gnabry contract talks
Apart from working on Upamecano’s extension, Bayern are also in talks to renew Serge Gnabry’s deal. Since Vincent Kompany’s arrival, Gnabry has looked sharper and more confident, thriving in a central attacking role and finally putting his injury struggles behind him. His improved form has convinced the club that he still has plenty to offer.
Eberl praised the winger’s progress under Kompany, hinting that discussions are moving in the right direction. "Serge has developed very well since Vincent arrived. He’s healthy and fit, and when he is, he can perform to his potential," he said. "These are signals we perceive favourably. His contract is running out, and the signals we send to each other are things we tell ourselves, not you."
