1 hour ago
1
Dayot Upamecano vowed to make the "right decision" on his future amid speculation linking him with a transfer to Liverpool.
The French center-back's Bayern Munich contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and it has been reported that he is viewed as a possible target by the Reds.
Bayern is still hopeful of striking a deal to keep Upamecano, but the 27-year-old said his focus is currently on on-field matters. “My agent is taking care of it," Upamecano said. "We will make the right decision. I am receiving good advice. I am focused on this season and my goals with the club and the national team. I don't have the headspace for it.
"I'm completely relaxed. I'm under contract with FC Bayern. I have goals. But I'm very grateful when clubs are interested in me."
Liverpool is expected to sign a new center-back in 2026, amid uncertainty in that position that has arisen in recent times.
Captain Virgil van Dijk turns 35 next summer, while Ibrahima Konate – a teammate of Upamecano with France – is also set to become a free agent next year, and Liverpool was open to selling Joe Gomez in each of Arne Slot's summers in charge.
Alessandro Bastoni's name has also been mentioned as a possible summer target, while Marc Guehi, who Liverpool almost signed in September, is believed to remain the club's No.1 transfer center-back target.
Liverpool tried to sign Guehi over the summer, getting as far as agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace for the defender, only for the London club to U-turn on the agreement at the 11th hour.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner did not want to sell Guehi as he felt that the England defender's departure would have left his team short at the back.
Guehi looks set to leave Palace for free when his contract expires at the end of the season, and Liverpool is expected to face stiff competition for his services.
Liverpool effectively had a free run at Guehi earlier this year, but several big European clubs would no doubt view him as an appealing proposition on a free transfer in 2026.
Liverpool is short of options in the center of defense at the moment, with the collapse of Guehi's move coupled with Giovanni Leoni's long-term knee injury leaving the team with just three senior center-backs at the moment.
English (US) ·