Everything that has been said about Dayot Upamecano as Liverpool interest builds
Liverpool are understood to be chasing Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
Liverpool failed with a late attempt to sign Marc Guehi, and are in desperate need of centre-back depth for Arne Slot.
Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for a considerable period after suffering an injury on his Liverpool debut, leaving just Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez at their disposal.
The Reds could seal a free transfer for the France defender, with his contract in Germany expiring next summer.
Ibrahima Konate speaks out after Virgil van Dijk comparisons
Ibrahima Konate faces an uncertain future at Liverpool, but he spoke out against comparisons between Upamecano and Van Dijk.
The France star could have come out in favour of his international teammate, but he was unanimous in his belief that his Reds colleague was the best of the bunch.
Speaking to Eurosport France in 2023, he said: “What kind of question is that? With Upamecano, we are in the same category, although he is a very high competitor. But Van Dijk, I put on another planet. We are still far from what he has done. Even if we’ll get there one day, I have no doubt.”
Rio Ferdinand labels Dayot Upamecano as ‘formidable’
Rio Ferdinand was blown away by Upamecano’s performance in RB Leipzig’s 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid in 2020.
The Frenchman was a crucial part of the Bundeliga outfit’s defence that held Diego Simeone’s side at bay.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the contest, the ex-Manchester United ace said: ”Upamecano was the best player tonight, he was formidable on the pitch.”
France legend loves Dayot Upamecano
Former Chelsea and AC Milan defender Marcel Desailly is a huge fan of Upamecano and Konate and has praised the duo in the past.
The Les Blues legend believes that the Bayern ace could become the best defender that France have ever produced, with Konate not far behind.
Speaking to L’Équipe in 2023, he said: “They (Upamecano and Konaté), especially Upamecano, can become the greatest defenders that France has ever had, if the team continues to win titles. This is their time, I’m certain of that.”
Liverpool may struggle to poach Dayot Upamecano
Upamecano is highly rated at Bayern, and the Reds may struggle to poach him on a free transfer, as they are desperate to renew his deal.
The Bundesliga outfit’s sporting director Max Eberl has suggested that they will do everything to try and tie the 26-year-old down to a new deal.
Speaking to Sky Sports on 25 September, he said: “We’re having open discussions, especially with Dayot Upamecano. It’s no big secret that we have a strong desire to extend Upamecano’s contract.”
Therefore, it seems like a tough task to sign the Frenchman, as the Bavarians want to keep him around at all costs.
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