Dayot Upamecano agrees deal in principal to join Real Madrid

France international defender of Guinean-Bissau descent, Dayot Upamecano, has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

According to a report from Foot Mercato, the Bayern Munich centre-back, who turns 27 this year, has given Real Madrid his word to move to the Santiago Bernabéu when his contract with the German champions expires next summer.

Real Madrid have been actively searching for defensive reinforcements, but continue to maintain their strategy of securing top players without paying transfer fees.

In recent years, Los Blancos have landed major stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold on free transfers, and Upamecano now appears set to follow in their footsteps.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté was initially considered the club’s top defensive target, but Madrid have now shifted focus to Upamecano, whose contract situation makes him an attractive option.

Despite Real’s strong interest, Bayern Munich are reportedly making every effort to keep the French defender, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a potential move for him.

If finalised, Upamecano’s arrival would further strengthen Real Madrid’s backline ahead of the 2026 season, continuing the club’s trend of strategic and cost-effective squad building.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have not given up on keeping Upamecano. The club is keen on extending the current contract of the defender and will continue to engage the player in the coming weeks.