Real Madrid are considering a move for Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
According to SPORT, Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the defender’s contract situation ahead of potentially snapping him up on a free transfer next summer.
Upamecano is entering the final year of his contract with Bayern, but negotiations over a new deal have stalled.
Both parties cannot see eye to eye on salary demands, with the French defender keen on a pay rise that Bayern are reluctant to match.
That stand-off has sparked attention from several clubs across Europe and opened the door for Madrid to swoop in.
Considering how prolific Los Blancos are in the free-agent market, they could easily get Upamecano to sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
It would not be the first time the Spanish giants have taken advantage of such circumstances. David Alaba left Bayern for Madrid on a free transfer in 2021, and history could repeat itself with Upamecano.
Ironically, Upamecano joined Bayern as a direct replacement for Alaba. He could do so again at Madrid, with Alaba’s contract set to expire next summer.
Antonio Rudiger’s contract also runs out next summer, so Madrid are planning a defensive overhaul and Upamecano could be the first one through the door.
They’ve already signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and now view Upamecano as a long-term partner for him.
Madrid have consistently picked up some of the best players in the world without paying transfer fees in recent years.
They did so with Kylian Mbappe and more recently with Trent Alexander-Arnold, although they paid Liverpool a stipend to get him in early for the Club World Cup.
Upamecano fits that profile, and his experience at both club and international level makes him an attractive option for Madrid president Florentino Perez.
