A recent print edition of Bild has stated, Manchester City could land Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano for just €40m next summer. It is understood that the French centre-back has a €40m release clause which makes him a bargain for any of his potential suitors including Man City as well as Manchester United and Liverpool at the end of this campaign (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Upamecano’s Rapid Emergence In German Football
Upamecano has already established himself as one of the premier defenders in the Bundesliga as he produced several commanding displays at the heart of the Leipzig backline over the past year. He featured in 38 matches for the German club last season, picking up two assists and nine yellow cards across multiple competitions.
The 21-year-old was a fan-favourite at the Red Bull Arena and did well to average 1.9 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 3.0 clearances and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the German first division. He even distributed possession well after making 89.1% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Evreux-born player has made four appearances in Germany this term. Upamecano’s recent form has made him one of the most sought-after centre-halves in European football. However, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his solid form in the Bundesliga this season. At 21, he still has plenty of time to develop his game and become a generational talent in the years to come.
What Will The French Defensive Ace Bring To The Table?
Upamecano is a decent tackler and can pull off a few crucial interceptions for his side at the back. He has also got enough pace in his locker to make some lung-bursting recovering runs in defence and is also calm when playing the ball out from the back.
What makes him such a dominant presence at the centre of Julian Nagelsmann’s backline is his ability to win the ball in the air using his sheer strength and determination. Standing at 1.86m, he can be an intimidating figure inside his half. Still, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to life in England where he can expect to be tested both physically and emotionally if he decides to move to the Premier League next summer.
Should Man City Get Upamecano On Board This Summer?
Pep Guardiola has got Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and John Stones vying for one of the centre-back positions in his first-team right now. Hence, his need is not urgent to recruit another defender unless he decides to cash in on one of his current options at the Etihad Stadium next summer. Either way, it makes sense for the reigning EFL Cup champions to orchestrate a move to bring a centre-half of Upamecano’s quality on board at the end of this season.
