Real Madrid are reportedly close to securing their first signing of the 2026 summer transfer window, having reached an agreement with a Bundesliga star. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of June.
Reporting journalist Santi Aouna indicated that Real Madrid officials have reached a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano for him to join the Spanish giants next summer after his contract with the Bavarian club expires.
Bayern Munich had already offered Upamecano a contract extension, but it fell short of his financial expectations. Real Madrid entered the picture months ago, offering the player a salary of over €10 million annually, in addition to a substantial transfer bonus, which he accepted.
Paris Saint-Germain are still closely monitoring the situation and have the French international on their shortlist, but it seems most likely that Upamecano will end up playing for Xabi Alonso’s side next season.
Real Madrid has always preferred to sign stars on free transfers, as was the case with Kylian Mbappé, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and others. Therefore, Dayot Upamecano presented an ideal opportunity for Florentino Pérez’s administration, who seized it as part of their quest to bolster their central defense with a talented young player.
Last summer, Real Madrid signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for €60 million and are preparing to release both David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger this summer. Thus, the club is working diligently to secure a new center-back.
Upamecano is not expected to be the only reinforcement in this position. There are also intensive negotiations underway with his French national teammate and Liverpool star, Ibrahima Konaté. With the French duo alongside Huijsen, Real Madrid could secure their defensive future for decades to come.
It should be noted that Bayern Munich still has a good chance of keeping Upamecano, which means that a verbal agreement will not be enough for Real Madrid, and the Merengues will have to be patient until the player announces his final decision, especially with expectations of an improved offer in the coming days from Max Eberl’s management.
