Manchester City have opened talks to sign a “sensational” Bayern Munich player, with the German club now “really worried” about his future.
Man City’s unbeaten run comes to an end at Aston Villa
Man City’s nine-game undefeated streak in all competitions was brought to a halt on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park, with Matty Cash’s first-half strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.
Despite the loss, Pep Guardiola suggested he was happy with his side’s performance, while also insisting it is too early to be overly concerned about the Premier League title race, saying: “I don’t know how many teams can come here and play the way we played, with the courage, possession and chances.
“We have to be stable with that. And after that, to deal with games better.
“But I don’t live in October and November thinking, ‘Oh what is going to happen if we don’t win the Premier League’, so it’s game by game now.”
However, having suffered three defeats already this season, which leaves the Blues six points behind Arsenal in the table, there are clear indications Guardiola may need to strengthen his squad in order to turn them back into title contenders.
According to a report from The Boot Room, Man City have this month held discussions about signing Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at the Bundesliga club.
Upamecano is yet to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena, which means he is currently set to be available on a free transfer next summer, and that is a concern for Bayern.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: “Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached.”
“Sensational” Upamecano could be solid addition to Pep’s backline
Pep has stuck with the experienced duo of John Stones and Ruben Dias at centre-back in recent weeks, with the former managing to put his injury problems behind him, while the manager also has Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov to call upon.
As such, it is debatable whether it is necessary to bring in another centre-back, but the Bayern star certainly has the ability required to succeed at the Etihad Stadium, having received very high praise from journalist Muhammad Butt in the past.
Every player in a Guardiola system must be comfortable in possession of the ball, and the 27-year-old fits the bill in that regard, averaging a pass-completion rate of 93.5% per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 96th percentile, compared to other centre-backs.
Upamecano could be the ideal addition to Man City’s defence, and the £168k-a-week star potentially being available on a free transfer makes signing him an even more attractive proposition.
