Bayern Munich announce Dayot Upamecano signing
After months of speculation, Dayot Upamecano's next move has been confirmed; the French central defender will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in July.
Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old had long been linked with a move away from Leipzig after developing into one of Europe's most-promising centre-backs. While Liverpool and Chelsea were both thought to have designs on purchasing the France international, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic signalled his imminent capture on Friday.
Bayern land Upamecano for 42.5 million euros
Salihamidzic claimed Bayern had committed to paying Upamecano's €42.5million release clause, with the defender agreeing a five-year contract. Bayern have now made that official with a club statement. It read: "Dayot Upamecano (22, RB Leipzig) will play for FC Bayern Munich from July 1, 2021. The defensive player and the record German champions agreed on a five-year collaboration until June 30, 2026."
Salihamidzic added: "We are happy that we were able to win Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern. Dayot will be a very important building block for our team in the coming years, we are convinced of that."
Leipzig bring in Gvardiol
The transfer will see Bayern once again strengthen themselves while seemingly weakening a direct domestic rival. Nevertheless, Leipzig have been expecting Upamecano's departure for a while and are preparing for life without him. They secured a deal last year for highly rated Croatia Under-21 international Josko Gvardiol, who returned to former club Dinamo Zagreb on loan for the 2020-21 season. Leipzig are also reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan in a deal that is said to be worth up to €18m.