FC Bayern are desperate to extend Dayot Upamecano’s contract and now ex-professional Markus Babbel has come forward with a clear message – and warns of a possible imbalance.
While Munich officials are working intensively on a contract extension with Dayot Upamecano, Markus Babbel is cautious. Although he considers a contract extension to be sensible in principle, as he emphasized in an interview with ran: „The aim should be to extend the cooperation with Upamecano.“
But he warns against overshooting the mark: „But you shouldn’t go overboard either – a good salary, but with moderation. He should enjoy playing for FC Bayern and not just be there because they ‚bought‘ him.“
According to sources close to the club, Upamecano is demanding a significantly higher salary as well as a generous hand money. Talks with the centre-back have been dragging on for months, with numerous top European clubs reportedly showing interest in the 27-year-old.
Upamecano „has internalized the DNA“
Babbel emphasizes that Upamecano has now matured into an important pillar in the Bayern defence: „The potential was always there. This season, he has reduced his error rate to a minimum, which is normal at the top level.“
Nevertheless, despite all the sporting appreciation, one should not allow oneself to be blackmailed. If the Frenchman’s demands are too high, Babbel says one would have to „look for a replacement“. He adds: „But first you should try everything to keep him – he knows the club, has internalized the DNA.“
It remains unclear whether Upamecano is actually working towards staying. According to the BBC, talks have recently developed positively and even a contract signing in the near future has not been ruled out. At the same time, there are conflicting media reports about his future tendencies.
Will Kompany be the key?
However, the close relationship with coach Vincent Kompany is considered one of the main reasons for Upamecano’s possible desire to stay. As Sport BILD reports, the defender feels that he is in good hands under the coach, both on a sporting and personal level. Nevertheless, the club management remains vigilant, especially as they want to carefully weigh up the cost-benefit calculation in view of the high salary demands.
Regardless of the outcome of the talks with Upamecano, FC Bayern is continuing to sound out the market for central defenders. The strategic squad planning envisages preparing for possible departures earlier than recently. In addition to Nico Schlotterbeck from BVB, the name Marc Guehi is also repeatedly mentioned.