According to Sport Bild (h/t Sport Witness), Manchester City are still eyeing Dayot Upamecano and may have to battle Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Liverpool to procure his signature. The 22-year-old has impressed at RB Leipzig but recently refused a contract extension, so his future at the Red Bull Arena is in doubt.
Where will Manchester City finish this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Upamecano has made 123 appearances in all competitions since joining Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2017, scoring four goals with two assists. He’s made 10 appearances across the board this season, six of which have come in the Bundesliga.
The French international has created three chances, completed 86.5% of his 519 passes, won 11/17 aerial duels (64.7%), made 3/6 successful dribbles (50%), blocked eight shots/crosses/passes, made 11 clearances, averaged a tackle (7) or interception (5) every 43 minutes and has only been dribbled past once.
Upamecano has blocked more shots (4) than Kyle Walker (3) and Ruben Dias (3) this season, so he might be a good addition to the backline. He has a €45m (£40.3m) release clause that comes into effect next summer, but do we need another centre-back?
Summary
I don’t think we’ll make a move for Upamecano in January or the following summer unless an existing player leaves. Pep Guardiola has Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Eric Garcia at his disposal, so he’s not exactly short at the back. Should Garcia leave for Real Madrid or Barcelona, we might look at signing a replacement.
Time will tell.