Bayern Munich look to fight off Real Madrid interest as new contract talks with star defender lined up

Bayern Munich are set to revive contract negotiations talks with Dayot Upamecano amid fears Real Madrid could sign him in a free transfer next year.

• Upamecano's contract expires in 2026
• Negotiations with Bayern were on hold 
• Real want to nab defender for free

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern have shifted their focus to securing a long-term contract extension for star defender Upamecano. The 26-year-old French international's current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026, putting the club under pressure to reach an agreement. Although both sides have expressed a desire for a continued relationship, negotiations have stalled over the past few months, leading Bayern's sporting directors to schedule new talks with Upamecano's advisors.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The urgency behind Bayern's push for an extension is underscored by a series of recent costly departures. The club recently saw Leroy Sane leave for free despite coming close to a contract extension, and they are eager to avoid a similar situation with Upamecano. Madrid are closely monitoring the situation and previously signed David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern in 2021. For Bayern, the risk is not just losing a key player but also reinforcing a worrying trend of losing top talent without a transfer fee. The defender has been a key central figure under coach Vincent Kompany and is considered an essential piece of the team's defensive core.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Los Blancos are reportedly also eyeing a move for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is also set to expire next year. The Merseyside club have tried to negotiate a deal with the French defender but haven't been able to reach a common ground yet. The ex-RB Leipzig defender, who is currently with the France national team, has jokingly admitted that Madrid star striker and Les Bleus team-mate Kylian Mbappe has been pursuing him to join the Spanish side. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN & UPAMECANO?

  Talks between Bayern officials and Upamecano’s representatives are scheduled to take place soon. The club are reportedly willing to offer a long-term deal until 2030, but the final agreement hinges on resolving the financial terms and the inclusion of a release clause, which has proven to be a sticking point. With Madrid reportedly prepared to pounce on a free transfer next summer, the pressure is on Bayern directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund to get the deal done quickly.