Kicker reports that Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano has called a halt to contract extension negotiationswith his Bundesliga club. Sport Bild confirms Kicker’s report with respect to the state of negotiations between the player’s entourage and the German record champions. The two sources claim that Upamecano desires a €16m annual salary (including bonuses) and specific release clauses that will accord him the opportunity to leave.
Kicker and Sport Bild both note that Upamecano’s camp have declared the latest set of demands final and non-negotiable. Bayern must either accede to the demands or risk losing Upamecano on a free transfer after the season concludes. The 27-year-old – sitting on a contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign – is free to negotiate with other clubs as soon as the January transfer window opens at the turn of the calendar year.
Will Upamecano extend with Bayern?
At present, it looks highly doubtful. The Bayern front office found itself placed under strict parameters this summer when it came to the squad’s budget. FCB chief personnel executive Max Eberl remains pressured by club scion Uli Hoeneß not to bend to the will of ultimatums issued by players or their representatives. Eberl and staff cannot hope to save face if they simply allow a player to dictate terms.
With Real Madrid and PSG reportedly ready to meet Upamecano’s demands fully, a confirmed separation within the next six weeks appears likely. Bayern themselves have more than enough time to work on procuring a replacement. South Korean international Kim Min-jae has done well enough this season when called upon to serve alongside Jonathan Tah in central defense.
