Bundesliga
Upamecano to join Bayern from Leipzig
Dayot Upamecano has agreed to join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig, the 22-year-old France international moving to the Allianz Arena in the summer on a long-term deal until 30 June 2026.
Upamecano has been a revelation since joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017, amassing 139 appearances in all competitions and helping Julian Nagelsmann's side to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last year.
The fastest centre-back in the league this term with a top speed of 22 mph, Upamecano will see out the season in Saxony, with Die Roten Bullen currently Bayern's closest pursuers at the top of the Bundesliga standings.
"Dayot's become a cornerstone of the team," said Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche. "He's developed into an exceptional defender, and is a top guy. It's a shame for Leipzig that he's leaving, but expected."
David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are both out of contract this summer, and the champions - who on Thursday completed a historic sextuple by beating UANL Tigres in the FIFA Club World Cup final - were keen to bolster in the position.
Three-time France international Upamecano could yet have them for company in 2021/22, with Niklas Süle and Lucas Hernandez also capable of occupying Bayern's central defensive positions.
Watch: Upamecano, a very special defender
"We’re happy that we’ve been able to sign Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern," commented sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. "We’re convinced that Dayot will be a very important member of our team in the coming years."