Bayern Munich have reportedly issued an ultimatum to Dayot Upamecano, demanding a final answer on his contract extension by February to avoid losing the €70m-rated defender for free.
According to BILD’s Christian Falk, the Bavarian giants are growing increasingly frustrated with the silence from Upamecano’s camp. With his current deal set to expire in June 2026, the Frenchman has officially entered the “danger zone” where he could begin negotiating a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
The “Silent” Stand-off at the Allianz Arena
Bayern formalized a renewal offer in late 2025, but the player has yet to provide a definitive answer. This lack of communication has sparked concerns that Upamecano may be exploring his options elsewhere, potentially leaving Bayern without a penny for a player valued at €70 million.
- The Deadline: End of February 2026.
- Current Value: €70 million.
- Risk: Free transfer departure in the 2026/27 season.
Real Madrid and PSG on High Alert
The possibility of signing one of Europe’s elite center-backs for free has triggered a battle between the continent’s heavyweights:
- Real Madrid: According to Santi Aouna, Los Blancos reached an “agreement in principle” with the defender months ago, though formal negotiations with Bayern never materialized.
- PSG: Le10Sport reports that the Parisian giants are working behind the scenes to convince Upamecano to return to France, viewing him as a priority for their defensive rebuild.
- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola remains a long-term admirer, keeping City in the conversation if the Bayern talks collapse entirely.
Protecting a €70m Asset
Bayern’s board is determined to avoid a repeat of the David Alaba or Niklas Süle situations, where key starters left for free. If Upamecano refuses to sign by the February deadline, the Bundesliga leaders are expected to put him on the transfer market this summer to recoup a significant portion of their investment.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
