Dayot Upamecano salary and release clause demands threaten contract negotiations but Bayern Munich hope Vincent Kompany can play key role in convincing defender

Bayern's fears over losing star centre-back Upamecano next summer could soon turn to be true if they fail to reach an agreement with him. The former RB Leipzig defender, who arrived at Bayern in 2021, is reportedly demanding a salary worth well over €15 million (£13m/$17.5m) as well as a hefty bonus, believed to be in the double-digit million range. It is understood that the 26-year-old wants parity with his defensive counterpart Alphonso Davies, who receives a fixed salary of €15m (£13m/$16m) and €5m in performance-based add-ons after signing a new five-year deal at the start of this year. 

However, with the Bavarians already looking to slash their wage bill – reported to be around €320m-€340m (£279m-£296m/$371m-$395m) at the start of 2025 – Sky Sport report that another factor could prove to be an issue. They mention that Upamecano and his agent are demanding the insertion of an exit clause, something that Bayern are not willing to include in a potential new deal.

While Upamecano's demands have resulted in negotiations hitting a snag, Bayern are still counting on one final trump card. Upamecano has enjoyed life under head coach Kompany, who has played a big role in revitalising the French centre-back over the past year after he endured a rather difficult 2023-24 season individually.

Having a former centre-back, and a legendary one at that, be his coach seems to be helping Upamecano. "We all watched him when we were young; he was a legend for Belgium and Manchester City," said the Evreux-born player recently. "He was a very aggressive defender in duels, a leader on the pitch too, a good example for me. He helps me a lot; we do a lot of videos, he talks to me about my positioning. With him, it's always very intense."

Per Sky, extending Kompany's contract could play into Bayern's hands as they attempt to secure the long-term future of Upamecano, who could leave for free next summer. The ex-Burnley manager signed a new deal earlier this week which will see him remain in charge until 2029. Considering the fact that the relationship between Kompany and Upamecano is extremely strong – evidenced by the 10 starts the France international has enjoyed in the 2025-26 season so far – the Belgian boss could play a huge role in convincing him to stay put beyond 2026.

Speaking to reporters ahead of last weekend's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that Upamecano's renewal remains among the club's top priorities. 

"I won't comment on an opponent's player before a game like this," Eberl said. "We have very good central defenders in Kim Min-jae, Jona Tah, and Upa. That's the big issue for us, Upamecano's extension. That's paramount for us. If these issues change, we'll look at the market."

The uncertainty surrounding the future of Upamecano has forced Bayern to continue and prepare backup plans. Multiple reports have confirmed that Die Roten are keeping tabs on the situation of Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who has been offered a new deal to remain at the Signal Iduna Park beyond 2027. However, the German international has delayed contract talks with Die Borussen as he prefers to wait and see how things pan out from now until the end of the season before making a decision on his future. The likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool have expressed interest, too.

Marc Guehi is another player that has caught the attention of the Bavarian giants. Also under contract at Crystal Palace until 2026, it is all but confirmed that the Englishman will leave Selhurst Park as a free agent next summer after seeing his deadline day move to Liverpool collapse.

According to reports, Bayern are set to hold crucial talks with Upamecano and his entourage before the winter break. The Frenchman has found himself on the radar of Real Madrid, who are keen to reinforce their defence even further after anticipating the departures of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. 

Madrid's arch-rivals, Barcelona, have showcased interest, too. An intense El Clasico transfer battle is expected as the two teams fight it off to secure Upamecano's services in an attempt to bolster their respective backlines. 

Liverpool, who are preparing for life after the ageing Virgil van Dijk, are left with a lack of clarity over the future of their defence. With talks seemingly hitting a dead end over an Ibrahima Konate renewal, the Reds are looking to lure the former Red Bull Salzburg prodigy to Anfield. However, they are set to face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United, who remain committed to strengthening every possible area of their squad in an endeavour to complete their rebuild under Ruben Amorim.