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Bayern Munich’s pursuit of RB Leipzig center-back Dayot Upamecano has been detailed at length over the past two months, but it appears that the Bavarians are even more serious than originally thought.
Per Bild (behind the Bild+ paywall), Bayern Munich’s board formally approved making a move for Upamecano in December with talks taking place between Upamecano’s agents and Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidzic in January.
While that is not exactly “new” information, Bild is insisting that Bayern Munich is ready to break the bank for Upamecano. With a rumored €42 million exit clause from his contract with Die Roten Bullen, Bayern Munich will not necessarily have to pay RB Leipzig any more for the player, but might have to bulk up its salary and bonus proposal to the 22-year-old — especially considering the competition.
What is new within the report per Bild, is just how serious Liverpool and Chelsea are in trying to sign Upamecano.
Even with Klopp’s ability to buy Ozan Kabak for €30 million when the Turkish youngster’s loan stint in England ends, the German manager would rather pay an additional €12.5 million for Upamecano than to retain Kabak.
As for Chelsea, former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel is also extremely serious about Upamecano. In fact, Chelsea’s rumored pursuits of David Alaba, Niklas Süle and Jerome Boateng are all just contingency measures should the London club be unable to sign Upamecano.
True ✅ the decision of Dayot Upamecano is only between FC Bayern, Liverpool and Chelsea now @FCBayern @LFC @ChelseaFC
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) February 9, 2021
One club that has dropped out of the running for Upamecano is Manchester United per Christian Falk:
True ✅ @ManUtd have no more chance for a transfer of Dayot Upamecano @DieRotenBullen
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) February 9, 2021
Even with Manchester United allegedly out of the race, Bayern Munich might have its hands full in trying to fend off the deep pocketed duo of Liverpool and Chelsea.