European Giants Fighting For €100m-Rated Dayot Upamecano
REUTERS/Hannah McKay
Manchester United’s desperate need for an able centre-back wasn’t met in the winter window. As of such, the final months of this season will be a perilous task for the Red Devils, as they seek to win the FA Cup, secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, and not make a fool out of themselves in the UEFA Champions League.
However, their winter inactivity ought not to be mistaken for a change in transfer plans. A central defender is still very much on their wishlist, and the summer window is all but certain to see an arrival in that region.
In fact, one name has already emerged as a top contender. According to the Sport Bild, United are all set to battle it out with Bayern Munich for the signature of RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano.
The 20-year-old has impressed thoroughly in the Bundesliga this season, leading to the speculation that top sides are now interested in him.
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While Bayern was the top name in the running for his signature, the alleged interest from Manchester will certainly ensure that an interesting saga may go down in the summer. However, there is an important factor involved.
As per reports, any club wishing to secure the Frenchman will have to activate his supposedly mammoth release clause of €100 million. This fee would make him the most expensive defender in the world, ahead of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
While United hold the clear spending advantage over Bayern, it is unclear whether the English giants will invest such a sum in the youngster.
Other names that were linked with the Mancunian outfit in the past months have generally been of experienced and proven centre-backs who are likely to step up to the task and function as the leader that the club lacks at the heart of its backline.