France's Theo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
Liverpool’s flawless start to the 2025/26 Premier League season came to an abrupt end at the weekend as Crystal Palace once again proved their kryptonite.
The Eagles, who also beat the Reds in the Community Shield, stunned Anfield with a 97th-minute winner from Eddie Nketiah, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory after Ismaïla Sarr had opened the scoring.
Despite the loss, Liverpool remain top of the table, but one area of concern stood out: the heart of defence. Ibrahima Konaté received heavy criticism for his performance, raising questions about whether Arne Slot needs reinforcements.
And it seems the club already have a high-profile target in mind.
Liverpool Tracking Upamecano
According to Bayern Insider journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool are monitoring Dayot Upamecano, whose contract with Bayern Munich is set to expire next summer.
The Bundesliga champions have been in talks with the French international for close to a year but are yet to agree new terms. With time running out and no breakthrough in negotiations, the door has opened for Europe’s biggest clubs to make their move.
Falk reports that Liverpool are among the suitors keeping a close watch, particularly given Konaté is also approaching the end of his current deal. A move for Upamecano on a free transfer would represent what many consider smart business, especially for a player of his calibre.
However, competition is fierce. Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old, who Rio Ferdinand once hailed as “formidable.”
For Bayern, the problem appears to be financial. The German champions are reportedly unwilling to meet the defender’s salary demands, and negotiations have gone quiet — a situation that could prove costly if he walks away for nothing in 2026.
With his pace, power, and Champions League pedigree, Upamecano would be an instant upgrade for most top clubs. Whether Liverpool can outmuscle their European rivals could define their defensive future.
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