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In the midst of a European arms race to bulk up defensive lines, it seems that Bayern Munich have plucked one of the most prized players out there.
According to two reports from French journalists, RB Leipzig centerback Dayot Upamecano has chosen to join the Bavarian side in the summer. Reports say Bayern will activate his €40 million release clause and bring him to Munich. There is no word on the length of his contract or the wage he was offered.
The first report came from RMC Sport journalist Loïc Tanzi:
Dayot Upamecano has chosen Bayern. The club has reached an agreement with the Frenchman. Bayern will activate Upamecano's release clause [@Tanziloic] pic.twitter.com/h6JpzRhf30
— Sextuple winners (@iMiaSanMia) February 12, 2021
This was quickly followed up by a second confirmation from L’Equipe. According to their report, Upamecano had been wrestling with the choice of staying in Germany or moving abroad to England, where suitors such as Chelsea and Liverpool awaited him.
However, the Frenchman decided to stay in the Bundesliga after careful consideration:
Upamecano knows that he can still progress, staying in the league that he knows well and playing for a club at a very high level where French players have a rich history of success [@lequipe]
— Sextuple winners (@iMiaSanMia) February 12, 2021
As that report states, Upamecano will not be the only player from France in the squad. He joins a team with two other defenders with caps for Les Blues: Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez. In addition, players like Bouna Sarr, Kingsley Coman, and Corentin Tolisso will help make Upamecano feel à la maison.
If these reports are to be believed, this would solve one of Bayern’s biggest problems they will face next season in finding a replacement for David Alaba. The Austrian hasn’t shown any recent intention to re-signing with Bayern and the club hasn’t extended an offer to him any time soon.
Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern after being one of the key pieces in the best defense in the Bundesliga this year. Die Roten Bullen have conceded only 17 goals, the best mark in the league in the 2020/21 season. Per WhoScored, his 1.3 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per 90 are among the best on the team. At only 22 years old, Upamecano still has a lot of growing to do and on a team like Bayern, his abilities have the potential for further greatness.
Update
We may not like him, but even Christian Falk is reporting it now. Seems that things are moving behind the scenes.
True ✅ Dayot Upamecano and Bayern is a done Deal @BILD_Sport
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) February 12, 2021