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Bayern Munich were always the frontrunners for Dayot Upamecano’s signature, despite the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool pursuing him as well. Now all those other interested parties will need to look elsewhere.
The Bundesliga giants have formally announced the signing of the 22-year-old France international from RB Leipzig today, thus putting an end to this (relatively brief) transfer saga.
ℹ️ #FCBayern have agreed to sign Dayot #Upamecano from 1st July 2021
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 14, 2021
https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG#MiaSanMia
The centre back will officially move to the Allianz Arena on July 1 after agreeing a five-year contract until 2026, with his new club set to pay his €42.5m release clause.
We may have lost the race for the 22 year-old’s signature, but Chelsea’s plans to sign a centre back in the summer remain intact, with the Blues now said to be targeting Upamecano’s defensive partner at Leipzig, Ibrahima Konaté instead. Chelsea have also been linked with Niklas Süle, whose position at Bayern may be even less secure after Upamecano’s arrival. Other targets may well emerge as well, of course. We’ve got more than enough time until the summer!
Upamecano received more than one approach from Chelsea, Liverpool were planning for a move in the summer. But he’s joining Bayern Münich [until 2026] because they immediately satisfied his requests. Deal to be signed in the next months, when Bayern will pay the release clause.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2021
Clear that Chelsea will prioritise central defender and a striker in the summer. The interest in Haaland dates back to his RB Slazburg days but his wages and Raiola are a problem...not just for Chelsea.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) February 13, 2021