Bayern Munich Defender Dayot Upamecano Reportedly Wants Real Madrid Move

Bayern Munich Defender Dayot Upamecano Reportedly Wants Real Madrid Move

  • Dayot Upamecano’s potential switch to Real Madrid is already causing waves, putting Bayern Munich on serious alert
  • The French defender’s rumoured Bernabéu transfer has divided fans, reigniting debates over whether he fits Madrid’s long-term defensive plans
  • Bayern face a familiar and high-stakes dilemma as they risk losing another cornerstone defender for nothing

Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!

Dayot Upamecano is once again chasing the long-held ambition of wearing Real Madrid’s famous white shirt, with the French centre-back reportedly instructing his representatives to explore the possibility of a Bernabéu switch once his Bayern Munich contract expires in 2026.

For the Bundesliga champions, it brings back uncomfortable memories of losing David Alaba to the same club under almost identical circumstances.

Dayot Upamecano Real Madrid transfer, Upamecano 2026 Bernabéu move, Real Madrid target Dayot Upamecano, Bayern Munich defender linked with Real Madrid, Upamecano Madrid transfer news, Dayot Upamecano Bayern contract 2026, Real Madrid signings 2025/26
Joshua Kimmich, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich during a UCL match between Bayern München and Chelsea on September 17, 2025. Image credit: Maja Hitij
Source: Getty Images

As for Bayern Munich, the choice is either to meet Upamecano's demands, cash in early, or risk watching another key player depart on a free transfer, as cited by Bavarian Football Works.

Read also

Barcelona legend set to hang his boots, leaving fans emotional

Dayot Upamecano reportedly wants Real Madrid move

According to Football Espana, Upamecano’s admiration for Madrid stretches back to his days at RB Leipzig, and although Los Blancos opted against moving for him back then, he remains firmly on their radar.

His consistency in Germany and experience on the international stage continue to make him a tempting option, particularly as Madrid has a history of exploiting situations like this.

Alaba’s free switch from Munich and Antonio Rüdiger’s exit from Chelsea both strengthened the Spanish giants without significant transfer fees.

Even Trent Alexander-Arnold ran his Liverpool contract down before Madrid swooped, forcing the English club into a late sale.

This is the cautionary tale Bayern Munich now faces. Only months ago, they wrestled with Alphonso Davies’ renewal, wary of handing out bumper deals that stretched the wage structure.

Bayern Munich defensive star transfer, Real Madrid defender rumors, Upamecano Madrid move speculation, Dayot Upamecano latest news, Real Madrid next summer transfer, Upamecano free transfer possibility, Bayern Munich defensive target loss
Real Madrid-target Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and FC Bayern München at PreZero-Arena on September 20, 2025. Image credit: S. Mellar/FC Bayern
Source: Getty Images

Upamecano, however, believes his value should reflect his importance. Currently earning close to €10 million annually, he is seeking around €15 million, a figure comparable to what Davies was chasing.

Read also

“We miss Thomas Partey”: Arsenal fans react after Man City draw

For Madrid, the immediate focus lies elsewhere, yet Upamecano’s availability in 2026 is being closely tracked. At 25, with 38 appearances last season under Vincent Kompany, he is still regarded as one of Europe’s top defenders.

Should Bayern hesitate, they could find themselves in a familiar and painful position: watching a defensive cornerstone slip away to Spain’s capital for nothing.

Real Madrid fans react to Upamecano transfer

Meanwhile, Dayot Upamecano’s growing links with a possible Real Madrid transfer in 2026 have sparked plenty of debate among the club’s supporters.

@Carlos_Madridista:

''Upamecano has the strength and speed we need. Pairing him with Militao could be a wall at the back.''

@Sofia_RM:

''Not convinced at all. Too many mistakes in big games, and Madrid demands perfection.''

@Javi_Blanco7:

''Reminds me of when people doubted Rudiger. If he comes, the Bernabéu will turn him into a beast.''

@Lucia_HalaMadrid:

''Please no. We should focus on younger, more consistent defenders like Yoro. If he arrives for free like Alaba, it’s a smart move. Otherwise, Bayern can keep him.''

Real Madrid reportedly snubbed Evan Ndicka

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh revealed that Real Madrid had the opportunity to sign Ivorian defender Even Ndicka from AS Roma but opted not to pursue the transfer.

Read also

Mohammed Kudus equals Raphinha and Enzo Fernandez in Key EPL stat

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion is one of the highly-rated African players in Europe for the past few seasons, but the 15-time Champions League winners were not convinced he is the man they are looking for.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh