Liverpool manager and head coach Arne Slott reacts during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
The 27-year-old French defender has been linked with a move from the German club in recent weeks. Liverpool were interested in signing him, but CF Bayern Insider reports that the player has decided to commit his long-term future to the German champions.
Bayern Munich offered the French defender a lucrative contract, but no deal was reached. Although it was ultimately decided to withdraw the offer, the player has decided to remain at the club and both parties will now complete the process.
Liverpool wanted to sign him as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate. The 26-year-old French international is out of contract at the end of this season, but Liverpool have been unable to agree on an agreement for him. They need to replace him properly and the Bayern Munich star could have been ideal. He has had an exceptional run for the German club this season and is definitely good enough to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool now move on to other goals. They need to sign two quality central defenders and have already secured the signing of Jeremy Jacquet. Adding another quality central defender should be an absolute priority for them.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, will be happy to have secured the long-term future of their star defender. He is indispensable to them and his departure will be a huge blow.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can convince Konate to remain at the club. If they can do that, the blow of missing out on their compatriots will certainly be offset.
