Dayot Upamecano’s days at RB Leipzig might be numbered after the French center back refused to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga side. According to the team’s sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff, Upamecano was recently presented with an ultimatum to sign an extension or get sold once the transfer window opens.
Upamecano (21) became indispensable for Leipzig’s back four in recent years while establishing himself as one of the most talented defenders in soccer. As he has just one more year left on his deal, he could possibly leave the German club on a free transfer in the summer of 2021.
Leipzig isn’t willing to risk such a scenario, so they are putting pressure on the player to make his decision fast.
“Upa is an extremely important player for us and one of the most sought-after talents in Europe,” said Mintzlaff in a recent chat with Bild. “And we can assure that we have a clear understanding with him and his agent he won’t leave us on a free. We can’t afford that as a club.”
“There are only two options: prolong or leave. I am sure we’ll soon find out in which direction it’s going,” he added.
Several high profile clubs have expressed interest in Dayot Upamecano in recent months, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich emerging as the main candidates for his signature. Arsenal reportedly even made an offer last year, but Leipzig turned it down.
It is worth noting that Upamecano has a $68 million release clause in his contract that allows teams to sign him without having to negotiate with Leipzig. However, it is highly unlikely that teams will use it, considering he only has one year left on his deal.
Upamecano joined Leipzig in 2017 from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg. He made more than 100 appearances in all competitions for the club since then.
