Liverpool are “looking” to complete the signing of a Bundesliga champion in 2026, according to a new update from journalist Christian Falk.
The Premier League champions have been rocked by a season-ending ACL injury to new signing Giovanni Leoni, leaving the Reds looking light at centre-back.
For that reason, Liverpool could delve into the transfer market in the January transfer window, but if they don’t, at least one new centre-back signing will be needed next summer.
According to Falk, the Reds are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich defender Upamecano, who is out of contract at the end of this season:
“It is true that Liverpool are looking at Dayot Upamecano,” Falk said.
“Bayern have been trying to give Upamecano a new contract for months. I think it’s coming up to a year of talks! And the time is running out, because next summer he’s a free agent, and it makes him so interesting for many, many clubs.
“Liverpool, of course, have the same situation with Ibrahima Konate – 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.
“That said, every top club in the world is looking at him; I heard that Real Madrid is very, very interested in him. Also, the player is understood to be on the list at Manchester United and PSG.”
Would Upamecano be an upgrade on Konate for Liverpool?
Upamecano is a top-level defender who won the Bundesliga title with Bayern last season, so it is easy to see him being an excellent signing for Liverpool.
Ibrahima Konate’s form has been a worry since the start of this season, and he is being linked with a move to Real Madrid, and his former RB Leipzig teammate may even be an upgrade on him.
Still only 26, Upamecano is the same age as Konate, and he has a 91.7% pass completion rate in the Bundesliga in 2025/26 to date, as well as averaging 1.4 clearances and 1.2 tackles per game.
Marc Guehi is still arguably the dream option for Liverpool, with the Crystal Palace captain superb against them on Saturday, but Upamecano is a proven international defender in his own right.
