Manchester United Maintain Upamecano Interest Despite Bayern Resistance

Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has become a Premier League transfer target as Manchester United reportedly intensifying their interest in bringing him to Old Trafford.

Following promising signings like Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, English media claimed United manager Ruben Amorim has received a greenlight to do one final big signing before the 2025/26 season kicks off. Strengthening the defense is now a major priority for the Red Devils.

While several Premier League defenders have been linked with United, financial constraints and player availability make options from outside England – particularly the Bundesliga – seem more advantageous.

Upamecano’s contract with Bayern expires in the summer of 2026. Reports of stalled contract negotiations between the player and the German club have seemingly opened a window of opportunity for United, making the French centre-back a top priority for their defensive rebuild.

This situation is further fueled by claims that Upamecano’s agent has offered him to several English clubs, including United. However, there remains a possibility the 26-year-old could stay at Bayern if they meet his salary demands.

Bayern adamant about Upamecano’s extension

Bayern’s reluctance to sell Upamecano this summer is unsurprising, given their injury crisis last season. Despite potentially commanding a transfer fee of around €50 million, the club appears willing to risk losing him on a free transfer next year unless a top-quality replacement becomes available.

One key factor complicating salary talks has been Upamecano’s recent injury struggles, which caused a significant absence. His absence was particularly felt when fellow defenders Hiroki Ito and Kim Min-jae were also sidelined.

Beyond the contract talk, Upamecano is reportedly happy in Germany. Sources suggest he is not actively pushing for a move and sees Bayern as the best place for his career at the moment. Nevertheless, financial considerations remain a major factor for the French international regarding his long-term commitment to the Bavarian giant.

For United, this slow-moving situation clearly brings both hope and frustration. While they are keen to sign Upamecano, Bayern’s firm stance against selling and the complexity of the player’s contract situation threaten to cost them valuable time as the summer 2025/26 transfer window nears its close.

Will Upamecano ultimately join the Red Devils, or will he sign a new deal with Bayern? For now, Bayern seem firmly set on retaining him, and Upamecano himself has shown no clear signs of wanting to leave.

However, his door remains wide open should United make an enticing offer too good to refuse.