Manchester United’s long-term interest in Dayot Upamecano could soon be challenged by Real Madrid, who are reportedly preparing to make a decisive move for the French centre-back.

The Bayern Munich defender’s future remains unresolved as contract talks with the Bundesliga champions have stalled, opening the door for Europe’s elite to circle

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid have identified Dayot Upamecano as a top defensive target and are ready to take advantage of Bayern’s contract impasse.

The 26-year-old’s current deal runs until 2026, but negotiations over a renewal have broken down due to disagreements around a signing fee.

Journalist Christian Falk previously revealed that although there was a “kind of agreement” on base salary, discussions hit a wall when Upamecano demanded a signing fee similar to the €20–22 million Bayern paid Alphonso Davies last year.

The club’s reluctance to meet those terms has left the defender’s future hanging in the balance.

Madrid see this as a perfect opportunity to plan a smart, cost-efficient move.

They reportedly intend to wait until Upamecano becomes a free agent in 2026, offering him a signing bonus in the region of €20–25 million — a figure that Bayern are unlikely to match. The Spanish giants believe that even with higher wages and bonuses, securing him on a free transfer would be a major coup.

Building a new defensive era at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid’s vision is to construct a younger, faster, and more physical backline. Upamecano’s arrival would see him join Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, adding depth and athleticism to Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive options.

With Nacho Fernández likely to depart and David Alaba struggling with recurring injuries, Madrid’s need for a long-term defensive solution is growing more urgent.

The Frenchman’s attributes fit seamlessly into Madrid’s system — quick in recovery, comfortable in possession, and capable of handling high defensive lines. He has completed 93.2% of his passes in the Bundesliga this season, highlighting his composure under pressure.

Why Manchester United could lose out on Dayot Upamecano

Manchester United have also been monitoring Upamecano closely under manager Ruben Amorim, who is eager to bolster his defence with a commanding, ball-playing centre-back. United’s need for reinforcement is clear, especially with questions over the fitness of Lisandro Martínez and the inconsistency of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf.

However, Real Madrid’s pull remains unmatched. The allure of the Bernabéu, the stability of the club’s project, and the chance to reunite with Kylian Mbappé could be decisive factors. While United can offer a central role in their rebuild, Madrid offer the prestige of competing for Champions League titles every year.