Real Madrid’s long-standing plan to strengthen their defence through a free transfer has taken a major hit. In recent years, Madrid have signed several free agents to save money.
That approach has served Madrid well in recent years. Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba all arrived without transfer fees.
They wanted Trent Alexander-Arnold in a similar fashion before Madrid opted to pay Liverpool €10 million to fast-track the deal ahead of the Club World Cup.
However, Dayot Upamecano is now closing in on a new contract at Bayern Munich. This development effectively rules out a move to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.
The French centre-back has entered the final six months of his deal in Bavaria. This situation had placed him firmly on Real Madrid’s radar.
Los Blancos had been monitoring the 27-year-old closely, hoping to repeat a familiar strategy of securing elite players without paying a transfer fee.
However, Upamecano now appears set to remain at Bayern. According to BILD, the France international is close to signing a new contract, with key details already agreed.
The proposed deal reportedly includes a salary of around €20 million per year, along with signing bonuses and a release clause.
Speaking after a friendly win over RB Salzburg, Upamecano stressed there was no pressure on him. He also confirmed that talks with Bayern’s hierarchy were progressing positively.
As recently as November, Upamecano was one of Real Madrid’s top defensive targets alongside Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi.
Now, all three options appear to be slipping away. Konate’s situation has cooled, Guehi could join either Liverpool or Manchester City, and Upamecano is set to commit his future to Bayern.
Madrid may now be forced to rethink their strategy, either by turning to the market or reassessing their internal options at the back.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
