Liverpool are stepping up their plans to reinforce their defensive line, with Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano emerging as a potential high-profile signing. With his contract situation unresolved and multiple European giants circling, the Reds could make their move as early as January should talks between the player and Bayern stall.
Liverpool on the Hunt for Defensive Reinforcements
After narrowly missing out on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi during the summer window, Liverpool remain in the market for at least one new centre-back. Guehi’s last-minute transfer collapse has forced the Merseyside club to explore other avenues, and Dayot Upamecano is quickly becoming one of the most attractive alternatives.
Injuries have only intensified Liverpool’s need. With Ibrahima Konaté sidelined and Giovanni Leoni facing a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury, Jurgen Klopp is currently relying on just Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to hold the line in central defense.
Upamecano’s Contract Talks Stall at Bayern
Upamecano’s current deal at Bayern Munich runs until 2026, but negotiations for an extension have hit a snag. According to multiple sources, including Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the French international and his representatives have laid out firm salary and agent fee demands. Bayern, while keen to keep him, have yet to meet those terms, raising the possibility that he could leave on a free transfer in two years’ time.
Plettenberg reported that Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl is actively trying to reach a compromise, but with interest mounting from across Europe, time may not be on their side.
Liverpool Among Several Elite Clubs Monitoring the Situation
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Upamecano, referring to the defender as a potential “free agent bomb” on his YouTube channel. He revealed that several top-tier clubs—including Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid—are closely monitoring developments.
Romano noted that Liverpool are expected to pursue a new central defender in 2026, but could accelerate their plans depending on how negotiations unfold in the coming months. The club reportedly plans to “formally” express their interest if no breakthrough is made in contract talks by the start of the new year.
January Could Be the Turning Point
TEAMtalk journalist Dean Jones has echoed that timeline, stating that Liverpool will likely make their move if no agreement is reached between Upamecano and Bayern by January. While the player is said to be happy under new manager Vincent Kompany, the lack of progress in talks could open the door for Liverpool to swoop in.
With top European clubs circling and Liverpool’s defensive depth under strain, the coming transfer window could be decisive.
