Real Madrid Transfers: The best center back target has become clear
If Real Madrid want to sign a center back in 2021 to add another young star to Eder Militao, Dayot Upamecano is an obvious target.
Although most football fans should have already known his name before the Champions League quarterfinals, Dayot Upamecano’s sensational performance against Atletico Madrid means that the RB Leipzig center back’s star power is an open secret. And of course, Real Madrid have been well aware of his talent for some time.
Earlier this year, AS reported that Zinedine Zidane asked Real Madrid to try and sign Upamecano. But when COVID-19 hit and sent Real into economic trouble, those plans were scrapped.
Other top clubs in Europe have, naturally, been linked to the young superstar center back. Arsenal fans have long favored the player, while the French center back has also received interest from Bayern Munich within the Bundesliga.
If Bayern, as Champions League favorites and the reigning powerhouses of Germany, are the top competitors to Real for Upamecano, then Real have received a recent boost. Upamecano has signed an extension with Leipzig through the 2022-2023 season with a reported release clause of 42 million euros, per Kicker.
Dayot Upamecano is affordable for Real Madrid in 2021
That means he is affordable, and that means Bayern cannot sign him for free. If Upamecano wants to play for Real Madrid and Los Blancos want him, then he could be theirs.
It’s complicated, only because of Eder Militao. The 22-year-old center back is quietly coming off a sensational campaign, and he was the lone stalwart in the loss at Manchester City. Whether it was against City or Athletic Bilbao, Militao has repeatedly stood tall in the face of difficult tests on the road. He can be Sergio Ramos’ long-term replacement.
According to Bernabeu Digital’s Diego Fuentes, the idea of signing Upamecano has unsurprisingly gained favor at Real Madrid after what he did to crosstown rivals Atleti in the Champions League quarterfinals. He’s been tabbed as Zidane’s favorite at center back, and now he has gained additional favor with the rest of the Bernabeu’s decision-makers.
It’s easy to forget that has intelligent as Upamecano is defensively and as classy as he is on the ball with his passing and dribbling, the player is 21 years old. He’s even younger than Militao yet more experienced at the highest level, becoming a key leader and player for a very talented – and dangerous, to Europe’s traditional powers – Leipzig squad.
Upamecano isn’t cheap at 42 million euros, but for his talent and age, that is a bargain. If he has to leave Leipzig, the Bundesliga club would likely prefer him to leave to La Liga than to stay in the Bundesliga. But ultimately, the choice is up to Upamecano.
Next. Real Madrid cannot be picky with James Rodriguez transfer offers. dark
Zidane’s influence cannot be underestimated. Young players love working with the legendary manager, and if he wants Upamecano, he can get him. Of course, he also has eyes on teenage defender Benoit Badiashile, who is very talented and a little cheaper. Upamecano should be the favored option, even if he isn’t the only option. Center backs with 2.0 dribbles per game and 1.6 interceptions per game in the Champions League are rare to find.