Bayern Munich yet to make a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano

In an interview with Abendzeitung, RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche has opened up on Bayern Munich’s alleged interest in their top performer Dayot Upamecano. Amidst contract uncertainties surrounding stalwarts David Alaba and Jerome Boateng, Upamecano has reportedly emerged as Die Roten’s top target for defensive reinforcement, next season.

“Dayot is an excellent player and a really good boy,” Krösche told AZ. “He has made tremendous progress over the past year and is an important part of our team.”

Widely considered as one the best center-backs in the Bundesliga, the France international has developed into a hot prospect in Europe, right now. Apart from Bayern, top European clubs, namely Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United from English Premier League are also said to be in the running for the young Frenchman.

Krösche, who was appointed as Leipzig’s sporting director in 2019, recognizes Upamecano’s importance to the title-challenging team of coach Julian Naglesmann and feels that he has the potential to further improve in various aspects of his game.

“(Upamecano is) still at the beginning of his career and of course still has development potential in every area, because he is still a young guy,” the 40-year old remarked, before going on to claim that he is among the best in Europe.

Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

“But he is already extremely important to us, he has in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League has shown outstanding performances. Dayot is one of the top defenders, he can become one of the best in Europe,” the former Bayer Leverkusen assistant manager continued.

Just before the start of the season, Die Roten Bullen were able to secure Upamecano’s signature on a contract extension that runs until 2023. The center-back was convinced of the Leipzig project and felt it was the right step for him to take his development to the next stage under Nagelsmann.

“Dayot only extended his contract in the summer. He made a conscious decision in favor of us because he sees this as the best opportunity for further development. We are very happy about that. Dayot is concentrating fully on RB Leipzig,” said Krösche.

However, German outlet kicker has previously reported that the 21-year-old has a €42million release clause which will be activated in the upcoming summer. Thus far, the Bayern brass have failed to reach an agreement with coach Hansi Flick’s defensive-chief David Alaba, and as a result, the German champions have recently reignited their interest in Upamecano.

When asked about what happens if Bayern opts to strongly pursue their star defender, Krösche replied that he hasn’t received any contact from the German champs, so far. “In any case, nobody from Bavaria called me,” the sporting director replied.

With contract talks yet to resume with Alaba, it remains to be seen if Bayern make a serious offer to Upamecano’s representatives, especially now that they face stiff competition from various clubs across Europe.