FC Bayern remains positive
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FC Bayern Munich remains confident that the desired contract extension with Dayot Upamecano will be successful. “We’re positive about it. It’s not important whether it’s a day earlier or later. What’s important to us is that it happens,” said sports director Christoph Freund. “I can’t say now how quickly a final decision will be made, but it won’t drag on forever.” However, there are no signs of a decision being made this year.
For a long time, the German record champions have been negotiating with Upamecano, who has been courted by other top clubs, about an extension of the contract, which expires at the end of the season. There had recently been speculation that the 27-year-old Frenchman’s side had submitted their demands to FC Bayern and that the club now had to decide whether to fulfill them.
“There is a lot of writing going on,” commented Freund. “Once he almost signed, then he left again. It’s turbulent, what’s being reported, but it’s not like that at all. They’re really good conversations, it’s not complicated either.”
Kompany: As a coach you always have an influence
For a world-class defender like Upamecano, it is an extremely important decision. “He is in his prime football age,” emphasized Freund. Upamecano is one of the “most important transfers” for the club. “He feels comfortable here, with the team, the coach and the entire club.” According to the sports director, it’s not about the money.
According to the “Kicker”, Upamecano’s demands also involve additional clauses. As a sticking point in the question of the defender’s future, which has been open for months, in addition to salary, the issue of hand money was repeatedly mentioned. The Munich team paid Alphonso Davies and free transfer newcomer Jonathan Tah tens of millions of dollars when they signed their contracts. According to “Sport Bild” information, the most valuable free transfer footballer in the world next summer can earn a maximum of 16 million euros this season including bonuses. The new basic salary should probably be in this range if the players have their way.
Coach Vincent Kompany, who extended his contract until 2029 in October, hopes for a long-term collaboration with Upamecano. “As a coach, of course you always have an influence,” said the Belgian: “But I think the roles are well distributed.” In such a phase of contract discussion, it is important that as a coach you focus on football with the player.