In the run-up to the World Cup, the issue of Dayot Upamecano’s future is increasingly coming to the fore at FC Bayern. The central defender has been one of the German record champions‘ most consistent performers this season, but his expiring contract is making the situation increasingly tricky. France coach Didier Deschamps has now spoken to Sky – and he was remarkably relaxed about the future of his defensive chief
Munich are keen to extend his contract, ideally before the end of the year, and although talks are still ongoing, a final breakthrough has not yet been achieved
Upamecano’s strong performances this season have seen him emerge from a period of previous fluctuations and he is once again regarded as one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga. This has not gone unnoticed internationally either. Several heavyweights from Europe’s elite, including Liverpool, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, are said to have their eyes on the 27-year-old. This increases the pressure on FC Bayern to find a solution before the end of the year
Didier Deschamps is nevertheless relaxed and explained that Upamecano will weigh up his future calmly. „I know that his contract expires. After that, the decision is up to him. But of course he is one of the best defenders in the world. It’s his decision whether he stays at FC Bayern, and that’s completely fine with me,“ the world champion coach told Sky
For Deschamps, it doesn’t matter where the defender takes his next step as long as he remains at the highest level in sporting terms
„If he changes clubs, that’s completely fine too“
The French national team coach’s statements underline the fact that Upamecano feels no pressure from his national team’s perspective. Neither staying in Munich nor moving to a top international club would jeopardise his role in the French team. Deschamps made it clear that a possible change of club would have no impact on his esteem. „If he changes clubs, that’s perfectly fine too. It’s his decision. We are very happy to be able to count on him because, I repeat, he is one of the best defenders and France is stronger with him.“
For FC Bayern, however, this calmness on the part of the national team coach does not automatically mean the all-clear. On the contrary: Munich know that Upamecano is in demand and will decide for himself which sporting path he wants to take. A swift agreement remains the declared goal in order to create planning security for the coming season.
