La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on 23-year-old French international Dayot Upamecano over a possible summer move.
According to a report by 90 min, Dayot Upamecano is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old could leave Bayern Munich ahead of the 2022/23 season, a little over a year after arriving from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.
Dayot Upamecano is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, having been a solid customer at the heart of the RB Leipzig defence during his four-and-a-half-year stint at the Red Bull Arena. The French international secured the biggest move of his career last summer when he joined Bayern Munich.
But the transfer to the Allianz Arena has not worked out as envisioned, even though the 23-year-old has largely been a regular at the back for the Bavarian giants, amassing 30 appearances across all competitions. Upamecano has been in and out of the starting lineup lately, which has thrown his Bayern Munich future into doubt, alerting Real Madrid in the process.
Real Madrid will likely delve into the transfer market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with their resolve strengthening following the 4-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona in the final El Clasico of the season. With Eder Militao and David Alaba the only reliable central defenders at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal, the need to bolster the backline has increased.
Jesus Vallejo is expected to leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, and Upamecano could arrive as a major upgrade. Apart from the 23-year-old French international, several other centre-backs, including Merih Demiral and Antonio Rudiger, are on Real Madrid’s radar.
Bayern Munich teammate Lucas Hernandez has also recently emerged as a key target for Real Madrid. But despite Upamecano’s struggles and widespread rumours of a possible exit, Bayern Munich are unlikely to sanction a sale of the former RB Leipzig defender, especially with Niklas Sule set to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
In all likelihood, Real Madrid will have to set sights on alternatives, although signing Upamecano could be the way to go if an opportunity presents itself. For now, the 23-year-old French international has again emerged on Real Madrid’s radar as they continue their search for a central defender.
