Bayern Munich told they 'must' sign Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck as Dayot Upamecano replacement

Upamecano’s contract standoff has created an unexpected headache for Bayern, prompting the German champions to explore potential replacements. The French defender, who remains a cornerstone of Vincent Kompany’s backline, has yet to agree on an extension beyond 2026 amid stalled negotiations over wage demands.

Upamecano’s representatives are reportedly pushing for a package worth around €15 million (£13m/$16m) per year along with a hefty signing bonus, terms Bayern are reluctant to meet. With talks dragging on, uncertainty has grown inside the club over the defender’s long-term future.

The situation has led Bavarians to identify Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck as a prime target should they fail to reach a breakthrough. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of Germany’s standout defenders, excelling for both club and country, and his contract in BVB runs until 2027.

Club legend Matthaus has made his stance clear: Bayern cannot afford to hesitate. He insisted that Schlotterbeck should be viewed as more than an alternative rather, as a logical successor if Upamecano leaves.

"If things don't work out with Upamecano, then Schlotterbeck would definitely be more than an alternative. Then bringing him to Munich would almost be a must," Matthaus said. "Because he's familiar with the Bundesliga, because he plays alongside Tah on the national team."

He added: "That would make sense to me, because his contract wouldn't run as long. But it might be a bit cheaper than with [Nick] Woltemade... Price tag, price tag, yes, thin ice. But that's the contract term, you have to take that into account. That's why I say: Yes, Schlotterbeck would be cheaper than Woltemade!"

Liverpool’s withdrawal from the race to sign Schlotterbeck has opened the door for Die Roten to make their move. The Premier League giants had been monitoring the BVB defender amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future, but they have since shifted their focus elsewhere after failing to land Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Despite that, the Reds’ defensive depth remains stretched, with young centre-back Giovanni Leoni sidelined by a serious ACL injury. Reports in England suggest Liverpool could revisit the centre-back market in 2026, possibly reigniting their pursuit of Guehi when he becomes available on a free transfer.

For Bayern, the stakes are more immediate. Losing Upamecano without a replacement lined up would weaken Kompany’s defensive setup ahead of another demanding campaign across domestic and European competitions. Schlotterbeck’s familiarity with the Bundesliga, combined with his strong left-footed profile, makes him an ideal candidate to slot seamlessly into Bayern’s backline.

The timing of this transfer debate couldn’t be more symbolic, with Bayern and Dortmund set to clash this weekend in Der Klassiker. The champions have started the season flawlessly, winning all six of their Bundesliga fixtures to sit top of the table with 18 points. Die Borussen, meanwhile, hope to end that streak and inject new life into the title race.

A strong performance from Schlotterbeck in this high-profile encounter could further strengthen Bayern’s resolve to move for him especially if Upamecano’s contract saga drags into the winter. Sporting director Max Eberl is said to be leading efforts to either secure Upamecano’s renewal before January or prepare a contingency plan.

If talks fail to progress by the new year, Bayern could push aggressively for Schlotterbeck ahead of the summer transfer window. Dortmund, however, are expected to fight hard to keep their defensive linchpin, with the player’s camp reportedly reluctant to commit to new terms until they have clarity on the club’s sporting direction.