Liverpool, Real Madrid Target Upamecano; Move Complicated

Liverpool are actively hunting centre-back reinforcements as Ibrahima Konaté’s contract runs down and Virgil van Dijk moves into the later stages of his career, prompting the club to scout multiple targets across Europe. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano — out of contract next summer and wanted by both Liverpool and Real Madrid — is a leading candidate, but reports say his substantial wage demands and a reported £125m release clause complicate any move. Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer remains on Liverpool’s radar for his aerial power, although he is under contract until 2029 and viewed as central to Juve’s plans. Liverpool have also been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo, while an injury to newly signed Giovanni Leoni has increased urgency to strengthen the defence. Real Madrid and other clubs are monitoring Premier League contract situations, meaning multiple interlinked moves could shape Liverpool’s defensive recruitment next summer.