Negotiations between FC Bayern Munich and defender Dayot Upamecano over a potential contract extension are currently mired in financial disagreements, leading to prolonged discussions that have yet to yield a resolution. As of March 20, 2025, Upamecano remains committed to the club, which is eager to secure his services beyond his existing contract that runs until 2026.
Initially, both parties expressed optimism about the possibility of a quick agreement. However, complications have arisen due to significant differences in salary expectations. According to reports, Upamecano, whose maximum annual income is currently estimated at 16 million euros—including bonuses—seeks an increase that reflects his rising market value, attributed to his consistently strong performances for the team.
"Upa weiß, dass wir unbedingt mit ihm verlängern wollen. Wir haben sehr gute Gespräche mit ihm geführt. Wir würden gerne zeitnah mit ihm verlängern. Wir sind sehr, sehr happy mit Upas Entwicklung. Und er ist auch sehr glücklich mit dem FC Bayern," stated Christoph Freund, FC Bayern's Sporting Director, in early March. Such statements underscore the club's commitment to retaining the French defender, who has become an integral part of their defensive lineup.
In recent conversations, Upamecano acknowledged the ongoing discussions with his management. "Ja, es gibt Gespräche mit meinen Beratern. Ich bin voll fokussiert auf meine Mannschaft. Ich lasse meine Berater mit Max und Christoph reden," he said on February 7. This reflects not only his dedication to the club but also the need for his representatives to handle the intricacies of the negotiations while he concentrates on his performance.
An essential part of the negotiation centers around Upamecano's request for an exit clause in his new contract—a safeguard that would allow him more flexibility if the right opportunity arises in the future. As Upamecano's profile continues to rise, his expectations align with those of other high-performing teammates like Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich, whose new contracts reportedly see them earning up to 20 million euros inclusive of bonuses.
These salary comparisons undoubtedly play a critical role in Upamecano's negotiating strategy, as securing a compensation package more comparable to his peers aligns with his performance trajectory on the pitch. His value has risen considerably due to his reliable contributions and leadership within the squad, which further justifies his demand for improved terms.
While the financial disagreements have led to stagnation in the negotiations, both Upamecano and the Bayern hierarchy are keen on reaching an agreement. Should the two parties overcome these hurdles, a deal could still be on the horizon. The club's interest in retaining Upamecano remains robust, and both sides have indicated a willingness to work towards a solution that accommodates their respective needs.
The urgency of finalizing Upamecano's contract extension cannot be understated. With several other critical contracts already settled within the team, including those of key players who enrich the Bayern roster, the club needs to ensure that Upamecano's situation does not linger. His integral role and performance under pressure highlight the importance of his presence as they head into crucial matches this season.
As March progresses, it is anticipated that both sides will return to the negotiation table with an openness to compromise. Upamecano’s commitment to Bayern and the mutual appreciation evident in their conversations suggest that a satisfactory resolution is achievable, provided that financial expectations can be adequately aligned.
While the exact timeline for reaching an agreement remains uncertain, the desire for a successful outcome is unequivocal. With Bayern Munich's focus on securing a bright future, the renewal of Dayot Upamecano’s contract could mark the next pivotal step in their ongoing pursuit of domestic and European success.
