Barcelona is reportedly set to battle Liverpool in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano. The French defender’s contract runs until 2026, making him a valuable asset for any club looking to strengthen their defense.

Why Upamecano is a desirable signing:

– Experience and solidity: Upamecano brings a wealth of experience and solidity to the defensive lineup, which is exactly what Barcelona needs to rebuild their defense.

– Familiarity with Flick: The fact that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick worked with Upamecano at Bayern Munich gives Barcelona an edge in the transfer race, as Flick knows exactly what he’s getting.

– Potential transfer fee: Since Upamecano’s contract is running down, he could be available as a free agent, making him a financially savvy signing for any club.

The situation surrounding Ronald Araujo:

– Araujo’s form: Araujo’s recent form has sparked internal debate at Barcelona, with some questioning whether he should be sold to fund Upamecano’s signing.

– Barcelona’s willingness to listen: Reports suggest that Barcelona would be willing to listen to offers for Araujo, effectively clearing space for Upamecano.

– Controversy surrounding Araujo’s sale: Selling Araujo, a fan favorite, would be a controversial move, but Barcelona has managed similar pivots before.

Other interested clubs:

– Liverpool: Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Upamecano, with Arne Slot looking for long-term defensive leaders.

– Real Madrid: Real Madrid is also in the mix, adding to the competition for Upamecano’s signature.

Implications of the transfer:

– Defensive overhaul: If Barcelona signs Upamecano, it could signal a defensive overhaul, with the team looking to build around their new center-back.

– Competition for Liverpool: The transfer could also impact Liverpool’s defensive plans, as they would be losing out on a top-class center-back.

– Upamecano’s wage demands: The player’s wage demands could escalate into a bidding war, making the transfer even more complex ¹.