clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

More details emerge as Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool battle over RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano

It could be tough for Bayern Munich to win the race for RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano as Chelsea and Liverpool linger.

RB Leipzig v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

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.

One club that has dropped out of the running for Upamecano is Manchester United per Christian Falk:

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.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Bavarian Football Works Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Bayern Munich news from Bavarian Football Works