Dayot Upamecano on a free: United, Real Madrid set for yet another mega clash | OneFootball

Manchester United let in two goals against League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday, and eventually exited the EFL Cup following defeat via penalties.

The club decided not to strengthen at the back and instead opted to focus on only improving the team’s attack. It’s safe to say that the plan has not worked.

As relayed by The Peoples Person, the Red Devils have shelved plans to bring in a new centre-back until 2026, with Ruben Amorim happy with the options at his disposal.

It certainly did not look like that at Blundell Park, with youngsters Ayden Heaven, and Tyler Fredricson struggling while Matthijs de Ligt had to come on as a second-half substitute.

Defenders struggled vs Grimsby

Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined, while United have lost Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans in the summer. They could do with strengthening at the back.

Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich has remained on the club’s radar for a long time, and with the defender’s current deal expiring next summer, there is a chance for INEOS to acquire him as a free agent as per BILD.

Wage demands have meant the Bavarians have failed to agree fresh terms, and apart from the 20-time English league champions, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also lurking.

The Spanish giants, in particular, pose the most danger as they are renowned for enticing players to join them on a free, a ploy they have used with many players over the last few years.

“Dayot Upamecano is becoming more and more of a problem for FC Bayern – and Real Madrid senses the opportunity. The record champions are desperate to extend the Frenchman’s contract, which expires in 2026.

Upamecano on a free

“Everything was supposed to be finalized quickly – but talks have been on hold for over six months. Both sides cannot agree on salary demands. Upamecano is currently reported to earn up to €16 million per year, but is demanding more.

“According to SPORT BILD, Real Madrid has now intervened and is enticing Upamecano with a free transfer in the summer of 2026.

“Bayern Munich not only has to fend off the Real Madrid threat. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are also said to be interested in Upamecano.”

Signing the 26-year-old on a free would be quite the statement, but his wages are considered significant and Real’s presence makes it even more complicated.

For now, INEOS need to bring in a defensive midfielder and goalkeeper before the window slams shut if they are to steer the club out of choppy waters.

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