Speaking recently on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano discussed Liverpool’s interest in RB Leipzig centre-back, Dayot Upamecano.
Since joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in what was a £9 million deal back in 2017, Upamecano has gone on to feature 137 times for the German club, chipping in with four goals and providing three assists along the way.
So far this season, the £54 million-rated 22-year-old has impressed over his 17 Bundesliga appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, making an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per match, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 6.88 – ranking him as the club’s eighth-best player in the German top flight.
As a result of his performances, much has been reported regarding the French international’s future, with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs thought to be keen on a move for the centre-back this summer, including Liverpool (according to Fussball Transfers via Bavarian Football Works).
And, speaking on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast, Romano discussed Jurgen Klopp’s side’s potential interest in a move for Upamecano.
He said: “I would say that about Upamecano it’s good to talk in general about the situation of the player because, as we mentioned many times, he has a release clause of €42.5 million. The situation of Upamecano is that we have a lot of rumours about Bayern Munich – yes, Bayern Munich want Upamecano, he’s one of the top targets for Bayern Munich, but it’s not a done deal.
“I’ve seen some reports [claiming that] it’s done – it’s not a done deal. For sure, Bayern Munich are seriously in the race, but also English clubs. I will say, Chelsea, Liverpool [and] Manchester United – let’s see what Manchester City will decide for a centre back – these clubs for sure will try for Upamecano.
“So, he’s on the list. Then they need to find an agreement with the player more than with Leipzig because they have to pay a release clause, so [they] will just [have to] find an agreement with the player for an important salary. Let’s see, at the moment everything is open, but we have to consider Bayern Munich as a serious contender just because they are going for a centre-back.”
Would Upamecano be a good signing?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Fabrizio Romano’s comments regarding Dayot Upamecano…
Putting aside Liverpool’s injury issues at centre-back this season, the club’s decision to sell Dejan Lovren last summer without signing a direct replacement for the 31-year-old has left Jurgen Klopp short of options in the centre of his defence this term, something that must be addressed this summer, if not in January.
And, with Upamecano being available for €42.5 million (£37.6 million) at the end of the season, a figure that is already considerably lower than his £54 million Transfermarkt valuation, in our opinion, Liverpool should attempt to move heaven and earth to land the 22-year-old, as he would be the perfect solution not only the issues Klopp as had to deal with this season, but potentially also a building block for further Liverpool success in the future.