Liverpool could potentially be one of the clubs to make a move for Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano, as they eye up defensive options.
The Reds feel one player too light at the heart of their defence, having missed out on Marc Guehi and then lost Giovanni Leoni to injury for the season.
It remains to be seen if a centre-back will be looked at in January, but if not, it feels almost certain that a signing will be made in that area next summer.
Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke discussed the availability of Upamecano, as Bayern look to keep hold of him and not lose him for free in 2026, name-checking Liverpool in his comments.
“Well, I’m sure they’ll be hoping that maybe they could sign a player of the calibre of Upamecano on a potential free transfer in the summer. You’ve got Liverpool looking at centre-backs, you’ve also got Chelsea probably looking at centre-back in 2026.
“Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Upamecano before as well, and Real Madrid were also looking for centre-back reinforcements next year as well. Right now it’s probably an open race for signature as there’ll be so many clubs ready to sign him on a free transfer. If a new deal can’t be agreed but Bayern are doing everything they can to try and persuade the Frenchman to stay.”
Could Upamecano replace Konate at Liverpool?
With Ibrahima Konate’s future still up in the air, top-quality central defenders need to be looked at by Liverpool, and his former RB Leipzig teammate Upamecano falls into that category.
The 27-year-old is now a three-time Bundesliga champion, making 165 appearances for his current club, and writer Muhammad Butt hailed him back in 2022: “Upamecano rivalling Pedri for best player on the pitch. sensational defensive display.”
Upamecano feels like a strong choice for Liverpool, should he decide he wants a fresh challenge away from Bayern, with the France international someone who should be looked at alongside Guehi.
If Konate does leave, the Reds will need two centre-backs next summer, especially as there is no guarantee that Joe Gomez will stay, with Virgil van Dijk turning 35 at that point.
