By HITC,Joe Mulhaney
Copyright yardbarker
Marc Guehi was expected to be the main defensive addition for Liverpool in the upcoming window, but occasionally, unexpected options appear that are hard to ignore.
And it is clear Liverpool see Upamecano as one of those options, especially given they could land “one of the most exciting centre-backs in the world” without a fee.
With Ibrahima Konate also potentially on his way out, there would be a clear path for Upamecano to step in. Speaking to CF Bayern Insider, journalist Christian Falk has shared an update on how seriously the club is considering him.
“It is true that Liverpool are looking at Dayot Upamecano. Bayern have been trying to give Upamecano a new contract for months. I think it’s coming up to a year of talks!
“And the time is running out because next summer he’s a free agent, and it makes him so interesting for many, many clubs.
“Liverpool, of course, have the same situation with Ibrahima Konate – he’s also going to be a free agent next summer. And yes, if Liverpool can get a player like Dayot Upamecano for free, that’s pretty good business.
“That said, every top club in the world is looking at him; I heard that Real Madrid is very, very interested in him. Also, the player is understood to be on the list at Manchester United and PSG,” Falk revealed.
Defensive shortage highlights need for January reinforcements
Liverpool are finding themselves short-staffed at the back, and it is becoming increasingly clear that they will need to address this issue when the transfer window opens in January.
The loss of Giovanni Leoni has left them with just three centre-backs to call on, a number that simply is not enough for them to get through a full campaign given their heavy schedule.
On top of that, both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have had trouble staying fit in the past, while Virgil van Dijk is now 34 and naturally slowing down. It is a combination that does not inspire much confidence over a long season.
Liverpool could ask players like Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch to fill in at times, but relying on midfielders to cover in defence is far from ideal for a club aiming to stay at the top of the league.
Either Upamecano or Guehi would give Liverpool some much-needed depth. And since both are expected to leave their current clubs on free transfers next summer, their teams might be open to doing business early just to recoup something before they walk away for nothing.
