Bayern Munich might have a €65 million Dayot Upamecano problem, and nobody seems particularly interested in talking about it.
For months, one of the biggest unspoken questions surrounding Bayern Munich has been whether Dayot Upamecano’s new contract would come with a relatively modest release clause that could make him vulnerable to an exit next summer. Now, the reported €65 million figure is back in the spotlight given how excellent the French center-back has been, and Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl was given an opportunity to address it. Understandably, Eberl chose not to.
When asked about the rumored release clause, the Bayern sporting director offered a carefully worded response. “I’m not here to discuss the details of the contract. One thing is clear: we’ve extended Upamecano’s contract, and we’re absolutely delighted that we did. To be honest, he feels extremely comfortable here,” Eberl told Tz’s newsletter, Absolut Bayern (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
That is certainly a nice sentiment, but it does not exactly answer the question.
Nobody at Bayern Munich wants to entertain the possibility of losing Upamecano, particularly with the French international establishing himself as one of the best center-backs in world football. However, if the reported €65 million release clause is real, the club could have very little control over his future next summer if a major European club decides to activate it.
Bayern Munich deserves credit for securing Upamecano’s extension, but the circumstances surrounding that deal remainan elephant in the room. Everyone seems happy to celebrate the renewal, and nobody seems particularly eager to discuss what happens if someone comes calling with €65 million.
Hopefully, Upamecano does, indeed, enjoy playing with Bayern Munich and chooses to ignore any inquiries should they arrive.
