L’Equipe report Liverpool target to extend contract with club

French outlet L’Equipe reports that Liverpool defensive target Dayot Upamecano is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract with Bayern Munich, dealing a significant blow to Liverpool’s plans to reinforce their back line.^[1]

Liverpool have spent months monitoring several defenders across Europe, with Upamecano emerging as a standout candidate due to his pace, strength and consistency at the heart of Bayern’s defence.^[1] His performances have elevated him into a serious long‑term option, but they have also increased Bayern’s determination to secure his future and protect a key asset from Premier League interest.^[1]

According to the report, Bayern are close to finalising an agreement that will keep Upamecano at the club until 2030 or 2031.^[1] A decisive factor in his decision to stay is said to be the extension of head coach Vincent Kompany, with L’Equipe stating that Kompany’s own commitment to the project was “a key factor” in the defender’s choice to continue in Munich.^[1]

The proposed deal represents a major financial commitment from Bayern. Upamecano is reportedly set to earn up to €20 million gross per year, along with a €20 million signing-on fee as part of the new contract package.^[1] This underlines how central he has become to the club’s sporting project and long-term planning.

Crucially, the contract will also include a €65 million release clause that becomes active in the summer of 2027.^[1] This structure gives Bayern short‑ and medium‑term security while still leaving open the possibility of a future transfer if a club is willing to meet the clause.^[1]

From Liverpool’s perspective, this development significantly alters the landscape. Upamecano had been viewed as a serious candidate to bolster their defence, particularly as he approached the latter stages of his previous deal.^[1] The new agreement means any move in the coming years would likely be far more complicated and expensive, forcing Liverpool to reassess their list of defensive targets.