The ex-RB Leipzing defender has reignited his long-standing ambition to join Madrid. According to Marca Upamecano has communicated to his agent that he is keen on securing a move to the Bernabeu when his Bayern contract expires in 2026. Madrid previously considered him before his switch to Germany, and with his dream still alive, he is positioning himself as a candidate for a future free transfer.
Los Blancos have developed a reputation for exploiting contract situations to sign top talent on free or reduced-price deals. Alaba joined from Bayern in a similar case, while Antonio Rudiger was snapped up for free from Chelsea. Trent Alexander-Arnold also let his Liverpool contract run down before he made the move, though Madrid had to pay a fee to get him before the Club World Cup. Die Roten are wary of falling into the same trap, particularly after the drawn-out Alphonso Davies saga earlier this year. The German champions remain reluctant to overcommit financially but risk losing another cornerstone of their squad without compensation.
The French defender earns around €10 million (£8m/$11m) annually at Bayern but is reportedly seeking closer to €15m (£13m/$16m), a figure in line with Davies’ renewal. While Madrid’s current priorities lie elsewhere, they are monitoring his situation and view him as a viable option given his age, international pedigree and Bundesliga consistency. With 38 appearances last season, he remains a regular starter under Vincent Kompany, yet his wage push could test Bayern’s limits.
For the Bavarians, the decision is straightforward but urgent: extend Upamecano’s contract on improved terms, sell him before his value diminishes, or risk losing him for free in 2026. With Kompany reliant on defensive stability behind him, losing a first-choice centre-back could hit hard. Madrid may not move immediately, but if Bayern delay, Los Blancos could once again swoop in at just the right moment.
