Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano, who is also a target for Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
According to a report from Goal.com, the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has intensified further as Manchester City have joined Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich to sign the Frenchman.
Having moved to Leipzig from sister club RB Salzburg in January 2017, the 22-year-old has gradually grown into one of the most reliable young centre-backs in the game over the past few years. A mainstay at the heart of the Bundesliga outfit, Upamecano has emerged as a target for a host of clubs across Europe.
Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the towering Frenchman. The Red Devils’ defensive performances have improved of late, but their early-season difficulties provided enough evidence that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’ side can do with another quality addition at the back to better complement captain Harry Maguire.
It only makes more sense if one factors in Eric Bailly’s injury history and Victor Lindelof’s inconsistent performances. So, bringing in someone like Upamecano, who can solidify the defence immediately and grow into a mainstay for years to come would be a sensible move on the Red Devils’ part.
The same goes for Chelsea as well, who have been strengthened with the addition of Thiago Silva in the summer. However, the Brazilian is hardly a long-term solution while there remain question marks over the futures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Fikayo Tomori has moved to AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season, with the Rossoneri retaining the option of making his transfer permanent. So, come summer, Frank Lampard & co. could be in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, making Upamecano a viable target.
Bayern Munich, for their part, openly confirmed their interest in the three-time capped French international. The reigning German and European champions are poised to lose David Alaba at the end of the season, with the Austrian understood to have reached a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid.
In addition, Jerome Boateng is also out of contract in the summer, leaving the Bavarian giants in urgent need of bolstering their options at the back, thus explaining their interest in signing Upamecano. Apart from these three clubs though, Manchester City are also said to have entered the fray for the 22-year-old.
The Cityzens’ bolstered their backline significantly this summer with the signings of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias. Add to that, John Stones is enjoying a career resurgence at the Etihad Stadium. Add to it, the presence of the ever-reliable Aymeric Laporte, Pep Guardiola seems to have plenty of options at the heart of the defence.
However, Manchester City will be losing Eric Garcia to Barcelona, either this month or at the end of the season, when his deal runs out. Given how Guardiola has added multiple quality options in every position in his squad, Upamecano could be seen as someone who would add greater depth and pedigree to his defence.
The 22-year-old has a release clause worth €45 million and it is said that Leipzig would be open to a sale to bring in funds within the club. The defender, however, is still undecided on his future. And it will be interesting to see who among the aforementioned clubs land Upamecano.