Breaking: Bayern Munich confirm the signing of Dayot Upamecano (Update: Why Upamecano chose Bayern)

After reports out of France broke the news, Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed that the club will sign Dayot Upamecano this summer. Speaking to Bild, Brazzo said that the Bavarians will pay his release clause, which will see the talented RB Leipzig defender join Bayern for a period of five years.

This confirmation puts an end to months of intense speculation about the future of the 22-year-old Frenchman. He was wanted by the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, so this is a huge coup for the Bavarians. At 42.5m euros, Bayern are paying a steep price for someone so young, but with David Alaba and possibly also Jerome Boateng set to depart this summer, it looks like the board thought they had no choice.

Upamecano will join Niklas Sule and Lucas Hernandez as Bayern’s senior team center backs for next season. The Frenchman comes with some injury concerns, but he more than makes up for it with his incredible talents. Blessed with excellent pace, raw power, and the technical ability to rival most midfielders — Upamecano is a perfect fit for Hansi’s pressing system. Having worked under Julian Nagelsmann, the player also understands what it means to play under a top coach and a well-drilled tactical system.

On my part, I can’t wait to see him in Bayern red. Let’s hope that this is the end of the saga, and there are no more nasty surprises down the road. Servus, Upamecano!

Update

According to Kerry Hau of Spox, Upamecano chose Bayern because of the French connection and Hansi Flick’s influence.

Good to see that Brazzo and Hansi were on the same page for once.