Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool read for 'total war' over contract rebel as 'silent rivals' lurk

Robin Bairner

Updated: 5 Nov 2025 10:58 GMT
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, Arne Slot, Liverpool — © IMAGO

Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are ready to engage in ‘total war’ to sign Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich, according to a report.

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Upamecano is destined to be a free agent next summer when his contract at Bayern Munich runs out, and this has attracted the attention of three Premier League giants as well as Real Madrid.

All four clubs will be able to start official negotiations with the centre-back from 1 January over a pre-contract agreement, and it seems that competition is set to be fierce for the 27-year-old.

Current ETV

Dayot Upamecano

D (C)

Bayern Munich

Dayot Upamecano

D (C)

Bayern Munich

ETV Range

€28.9M - €35.4M

Bayern will not sell Upamecano in January, according to Fichajes, but they will be powerless to stop him agreeing a contract with one of their major European rivals.

Chelsea seem most advanced in a move for the France international. It is reported that the Stamford Bridge side see him as being an ideal player to lead the back line alongside Levi Colwill. Upamecano, though, is considerably older than the Blues’ typical signing, yet the attraction of signing him on a free appears to be enough to tempt them.

Premier League rivals Liverpool, meanwhile, are known to be on the lookout for cover in the middle of their defence after missing out on Marc Guehi late in the summer transfer window then seeing Giovani Leoni struck down by serious injury. There is no indication that they have actively started sounding out Upamecano, however.

The same goes for Manchester United, who are said to want to insure themselves against Harry Maguire’s physical condition deteriorating. Upamecano is a “necessary upgrade” in the eyes of the Old Trafford club, with his free agent status an “opportunity they cannot afford to miss”.

© IMAGO - Dayot Upamecano, Bayern Munich

Real Madrid eye Upamecano as defensive clear out begins

Real Madrid are the “silent rival” in all of this, the Spanish report indicates.

Xabi Alonso’s side need an overhaul of their defence, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba set to depart the Bernabeu.

The prospect of snapping up a player like Upamecano, who combines youth, experience and leadership, is one that is highly attractive.

For the moment, Bayern are still hopeful of tying the former Valenciennes youngster down on a prolonged deal, but their rivals are gathering to make a move if this does not prove possible.

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