Liverpool want deal for France star that Bayern Munich are DESPERATE to keep

Liverpool have been tipped to conduct a centre-back shakeup in the next couple of transfer windows. The process began last summer - with Giovanni Leoni arriving on a £26m deal from Parma and Jarell Quansah leaving for Bayer Leverkusen.

But there remains uncertainty over other members of Arne Slot’s backline. Joe Gomez has been looked at as a potential recruit by AC Milan and sporting director Richard Hughes could cash if there’s a proper offer.

Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, is out of contract in 2027 and at 34 is going to require a long-term replacement sooner or later.

And what of Ibrahima Konate? The France international is Hughes’ most pressing concern. Out of contract at the end of this season, if no new deal is agreed then he will be leaving on a free in summer 2026.

Liverpool tipped for centre-back overhaul

That’s why links with centre-backs make sense. We’ve seen the names of Ronald Araujo, Nico Schlotterbeck and others in the frame of late.

But there remains the possibility that Liverpool can solve their centre-back issues with a free transfer. Marc Guehi of course remains a target - but the Premier League title-holders face increased competition for his signature.

And now reports suggest that Dayot Upamecano could be a potential recruit. The Bayern Munich defender, 26, is out of contract in 2026 - but Bayern remain intent on tying the Frenchman down to a new deal.

However if those negotiations go south then Liverpool will be right there in the fight for his signature.

A report in Football Insider claims that talks remain in progress between Bayern and Upamecano - and that right now the German champions are DESPERATE to keep their Les Bleus star out of Liverpool’s grasp.

Liverpool interest in Upamecano is acknowledged

“Talks are ongoing with Upamecano’s representatives behind the scenes to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena, with no plans to let him join Liverpool,” a report reads.

Upamecano represents a very good plug-and-play solution for Liverpool given his quality and experience. He is someone the club have their eyes on - according to the report - but they won’t be alone in their interest.

Real Madrid have been mentioned as potentially interested - with Football Insider claiming that it’s an “open race” for the former RB Leipzig defender.

Bayern doing "everything" to persuade Upamecano

“Well, I’m sure they’ll be hoping that maybe they could sign a player of the calibre of Upamecano on a potential free transfer in the summer,” the report reads of Liverpool’s desires.

“Look, as you said, he’s under contract at the Allianz Arena until the summer and discussions over a new dealer are ongoing between Upamecano’s representatives and Bayern Munich.

“Bayern are hopeful that they can persuade the France international to stay, but he will have a lot of options and there’s no getting away from that.

“Right now it’s probably an open race for signature as there’ll be so many clubs ready to sign him on a free transfer if a new deal can’t be agreed.

“But Bayern are doing everything they can to try and persuade the Frenchman to stay.”

Upamecano will be entitled to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs in January. Let’s keep an eye on this one.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he's the best in the world

👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star

👉🏻 Liverpool legend's son is now an elite centre-back