11 hours ago
5
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has doubled down on the club's determination to tie down Dayot Upamecano to fresh terms, despite growing speculation surrounding Liverpool's interest in the France international.
With just over a year remaining on his current deal, the Bundesliga team is preparing for a battle to keep hold of its center-back. Liverpool has been mentioned as a possible admirer of the former RB Leipzig defender, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the team's own defensive options, with Ibrahima Konate's contract situation also requiring attention.
Upamecano has established himself as a key figure in Vincent Kompany's team, as Bayern chases down another Bundesliga title, prompting the club to accelerate contract discussions. The Reds' failed summer pursuit of Marc Guehi and Giovanni Leoni's long-term knee injury have only heightened their requirement for defensive additions.
However, reports suggest that Bayern is among the European heavyweights monitoring Guehi. Eberl considers Upamecano among the finest defenders on the planet and is making his contract extension a top priority.
"Upa has developed into one of the best center-backs in the world," he told Sky Germany. "We are working and making sure we do everything we can to make Dayot Upamecano sign a new contract."
This marks another occasion where the Bayern sporting director has emphasised the importance of reaching terms with Upamecano.
Following their victory in Der Klassiker, Eberl described the contract extension as a "big issue" and a critical matter requiring resolution. He said: "We have very good central defenders in Kim Min-jae, Jona Tah, and Upa.
"That's the big issue for us, Upamecano's extension. That's paramount for us. If these issues change, we'll look at the market."
Liverpool has been wrestling with its own defensive challenges this season, currently sitting seven points behind Premier League leader Arsenal.
Nevertheless, the Reds managed to end their losing run with a 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa on Saturday, securing their first clean sheet since September 14.
Liverpool's summer acquisitions have found it difficult to make an immediate impact following the Anfield shake-up, but it remains unclear whether the Reds will enter the winter transfer window seeking additional reinforcements.
Slot commented after the Villa victory: "Happy with the result, with the performance and what I saw today, not only from the players but also the support we got from the fans, was what we needed today.
"Maybe we were a bit more on the lucky side than we've been in the last few weeks, where in my opinion we were also unlucky.
"So, the mistake of their goalkeeper and the deflection led to two of our goals."
English (US) ·