“He should sign that now.”
Contract poker: Bayern boss gives defense star ultimatum
January 5, 2026 – 1:28 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Club boss Jan-Christian Dreesen speaks out in FC Bayern’s contract poker with Dayot Upamecano. And announces a timely decision.
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has given defensive star Dayot Upamecano an ultimatum in poker about a possible contract extension at FC Bayern. “Upa has an offer from us that we have improved again. This has already been discussed several times with his advisors and now again with himself,” said Bavaria’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen during a visit to the fan club “De roud-weissen Neifinger” on Sunday in Neufahrn, where t-online was there.
“I think he should sign what he has lying there now. Because it won’t get any better.” With this, Dreesen made it clear that FC Bayern is no longer prepared to further increase its offer to the defender.
“We made him an extremely good offer because he has been playing very well for a year and a half now,” Dreesen continued. “He is certainly one of the best central defenders there is in the world. With him and Jonathan Tah, but also the others, we have regained stability. That’s why we want to keep him.”
At the same time, Dreesen also emphasized: “The whole thing shouldn’t drag on for so long now. I just don’t want to say an exact date because it will be written somewhere tomorrow.” Between the lines, FC Bayern’s CEO left no doubt that the club now expects a prompt decision from the Frenchman.
“We really don’t go along with any nonsense,” said Dreesen in general, referring to excessive demands from players and advisors. “And again referring to the Upamecano case,” Dreesen continued: “If you chew chewing gum for too long, the taste will eventually disappear. That’s why it shouldn’t stick like chewing gum.” Dreesen made it unmistakably clear: The ball in contract poker is now clearly in the court of Upamecano and his advisors.
The 27-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of this season. A new four-year contract is being discussed. The Upamecano side is hoping for an increase in salary from an estimated 16 million euros per year to around 20 million euros. According to “Bild”, there is also talk of a cash deposit of almost 20 million euros. Accordingly, Upamecano should also want an exit clause of 65 million euros that is valid from 2027.