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Yesterday — 3 February 2026Main stream

Liverpool’s Konate exit fears grow as Reds face setback in pursuit of replacement

3 February 2026 at 21:00

Liverpool have been handed a blow in their pursuit of the Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.

The 27-year-old French defender has been linked with a move away from the German club in recent weeks. Liverpool were interested in securing his signature, but a CF Bayern Insider report claims the player has now decided to commit his long-term future to the German champions.

Bayern Munich offered the French defender a lucrative contract, but failed to secure an agreement with him. They ultimately decided to retract the offer, but the player has decided to stay at the club, and the two parties are set to complete the formalities.

Liverpool were hoping to sign him as a replacement for Ibrahima Konaté. The 26-year-old French International will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Liverpool have not been able to secure an agreement with him. They need to replace him properly, and the Bayern Munich star could have been ideal. He has been exceptional for the German club this season, and he is certainly good enough to play for the biggest club in the world.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool moves on to another target now. They need to sign two quality central defenders, and they have already secured Jeremy Jacquet’s signature. Adding another quality central defender should be an absolute priority for them.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will be delighted to have secured the long-term future of their star defender. He is an indispensable asset for them, and his departure would have been a huge blow.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can convince Konate to stay at the club. If they manage to do that, it would certainly offset the blow of missing out on his compatriot.

The post Liverpool’s Konate exit fears grow as Reds face setback in pursuit of replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Deal approved: Liverpool transfer target’s big decision confirmed by Fabrizio Romano

2 February 2026 at 22:49

Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano has reportedly approved a new contract at the club despite links with Liverpool and other clubs.

The France international had been in the final year of his Bayern contract, leading to plenty of speculation over his future.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now posted on X to end the speculation, stating that Upamecano now looks set to stay and sign a new deal at the Allianz Arena.

See below for details…

?? EXCLUSIVE: Dayot Upamecano approves new deal at Bayern, clubs interested are informed!

He’s set to sign new contract soon at FC Bayern, happy to stay as huge boost for the club after big efforts from club and player side to make it happen. ??

It will be valid until 2030. pic.twitter.com/bMysgAPKL3

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2026

Romano posted: “Dayot Upamecano approves new deal at Bayern, clubs interested are informed! He’s set to sign new contract soon at FC Bayern, happy to stay as huge boost for the club after big efforts from club and player side to make it happen. It will be valid until 2030.”

Dayot Upamecano decision looks like a blow for Liverpool

We’ve previously reported on Liverpool’s interest in Upamecano, as has Christian Falk in one of his columns here, but the Reds now look set to miss out on the 27-year-old.

Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

This is hardly ideal for LFC at a time when they look in need of a major shake-up in defence, with Ibrahima Konate coming towards the end of his contract at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger, so there could soon be the need for a player of Upamecano’s calibre to come in and become a new key player in Arne Slot’s back line.

Bayern fans will be delighted, though, as Upamecano can now put the speculation behind him and focus on getting back to his very best.

Alternatives for Liverpool in defence

It will be interesting to see who else Liverpool might move for, but one name being most strongly linked is Rennes youngster Jeremy Jacquet.

The Athletic and others have claimed Liverpool are closing in on the talented young Frenchman, who would join in the summer.

Still, Liverpool could arguably do with at least one more new centre-back arriving in the near future.

The post Deal approved: Liverpool transfer target’s big decision confirmed by Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool & Chelsea among clubs to hold talks with soon-to-be free agent defender

1 February 2026 at 11:13

The future of Dayot Upamecano is attracting attention as the Bayern Munich defender is set to become a free agent in the summer.

According to TEAMtalk, a host of major sides, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter, have all held discussions with Upamecano’s camp.

The widespread interest reflects both the player’s standing at the top level and the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation in Munich.

Upamecano’s current deal with Bayern Munich is set to expire in the summer, and while Bayern have tabled a renewal proposal, the club have made it clear that the offer will not remain on the table indefinitely.

Liverpool & Chelsea show interest in Dayot Upamecano

Reports suggest the Bundesliga champions have given the defender a matter of weeks to make a final decision, showing their desire for clarity rather than allowing the situation to drift deep into the final months of his contract.

From Bayern’s perspective, the stakes are high. Upamecano has been a regular figure in their back line when fit, trusted in domestic competition and on the European stage.

Losing him on a free transfer would represent a significant financial and sporting blow, particularly at a time when elite centre-backs are commanding premium fees across the market.

For the interested clubs, the appeal is obvious. Premier League sides see Upamecano as a ready-made option with Champions League experience, while Spain and Italy’s giants are alert to the rare chance of landing a proven defender without a transfer fee.

Bayern Munich appear worried about the French defender

Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Even if Bayern remain confident of reaching an agreement, the sheer volume of interest has understandably raised concerns inside the club.

For Upamecano himself, the coming weeks could define the next phase of his career.

Staying at Bayern would offer continuity and a familiar environment, but the opportunity to test himself in a new league, potentially as a defensive leader, is a tempting proposition.

His decision will also influence Bayern’s wider squad planning, as a failure to secure an extension would force them into the market sooner than anticipated.

As negotiations continue, Bayern’s deadline adds urgency to an already tense situation.

Liverpool make contact over late January move for 29-year-old wide man amid injury crisis 

The post Liverpool & Chelsea among clubs to hold talks with soon-to-be free agent defender appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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