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Kylian Mbappe laughed off questions on Wednesday regarding whether he would like to see Dayot Upamecano join him at Real Madrid.
The Bayern Munich defender’s contract expires in the summer and he has been linked with a free move to several of Europe’s biggest clubs at the end of the season, including Liverpool. Indeed, the Reds have been repeatedly linked with a move for Upamecano, with only Real’s name mentioned more often in recent weeks.
The Spanish giants have developed a habit of pinching players for free at the end of their contract, as Liverpool well knows. Trent Alexander-Arnold was the latest in the long list to be snapped up by Real for free last summer - although Los Blancos ultimately paid a nominal fee to buy out the final month of the defender’s Liverpool contract.
The most high-profile example in recent years is Mbappe, who walked away from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 when his terms expired and signed for Real.
The France captain was asked about his international teammate on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
“He’s doing very well, he’s very confident, full of self-assurance. He’s in the debate about who is the best defender in the world,” Mbappe said.
“For me, he’s one of those dominant defenders. He’s capable of keeping up with the forwards, of winning duels. He’s a tactical asset.”
With a grin, Mbappe added: “He’s at a big club, Bayern, there’s not much better… But there are better ones [smiles].
“I’m not going to say anything, I’m not going to get into that debate, out of respect for his club and for him, because I know that if I say something he’ll be under more pressure. But when you talk about a player of this calibre, all the clubs will be on the lookout to sign him.”
It doesn’t take much reading between the lines to see Mbappe would like Upamecano to join him at the Bernabeu, while Liverpool’s center-back position looks delicately poised heading into the summer.
Ibrahima Konate’s deal expires at the end of the campaign. Ironically, should Upamecano move to Real, it would likely scupper any possibility of Konate also moving to the 15-time European champions.
Marc Guehi’s deal at Crystal Palace also expires at the end of the campaign, with the England international attracting widespread interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
As for Upamecano, he was asked about his future earlier this week and said: “My agent is taking care of it.
“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.”
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