Bayern Munich have a contract renewal policy that is in dire need of a revision. Another important player at Bayern, Dayot Upamecano, perhaps the best defender on the books could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. It is time for a change.
Bayern exec for sport, Christoph Freund spoke to Sky (via @iMiaSanMia) regarding the situation with Upamecano. “We’re in talks; Upa’s playing really well. The team’s high pressing suits him very well. We’re in talks, I can’t say anything more” said
Freund disclosing the grim reality of Bayern’s lackadaisical attitude with renewals,“ said Freund.
Waiting until the very last year of the contract of core players is not advisable in the least. The Bavarians are no longer the top dog in terms of wages nor pull in the current market. Keeping that in mind, a renewal or sale needs to be decided with time left on the contract. Upamecano is a core player in the squad. A solid defender with pace, physicality and the skill to play a high pressing line.
Top clubs in Europe are after the 26 year-old Frenchman. With free agents receiving bumper signing bonuses, Upa could in theory make more money at a new club than at Bayern even when the wage package is the same. Add to this, the search for a replacement and the current market prices involved demonstrate how messy Bayern have been in terms of the contract business.
The penultimate year in a player’s contract should be the red line. In Upamecano’s case, Bayern should have arrived at a decision in the summer whether to extend or sell. That brings a lot of clarity both financially and in terms of squad readiness. The current policy is shoddy at best and could turn catastrophic at worst.
