Marc Guehi is not the only in-demand central defender who enters the final six months of their contract when the January transfer window opens on New Year’s Day
Liverpool could finally sign Dayot Upamecano during this January transfer window rather than returning for Marc Guehi. The Reds have been credited with an interest in Upamecano since he moved from Red Bull Salzburg to RB Leipzig back in 2017.
Rumours remained over the next four years until Bayern Munich agreed to sign the France international. Upamecano signed a five-year contract with the German giants in the summer of 2021.
Four and a half years have now passed since then, and a new deal is still not signed. Unless that changes before New Year’s Day, the player will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any overseas club.
Liverpool know all too well about that from the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga that loomed large over their last winter transfer window. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were also able to do so last January, but ultimately signed extensions this spring.
This winter, it is all about central defenders. Guehi, Ibrahima Konate, and Upamecano are all entering the final six months of their contracts.
The former came so close to signing for the Reds on transfer deadline day this summer. However, there are no guarantees that they will revive any deal with Crystal Palace in the first month of 2026.
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Konate’s future is also far from certain. Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain are two clubs reportedly interested in the France international, with Real Madrid backing away from a potential move.
The former are said to be keen on Guehi, and Manchester City appear to be as well. Interest from Bavaria would seemingly only remain if they accept losing Upamecano.
PSG and Real Madrid are reportedly pursuing the central defender. However, there were claims weeks ago that an agreement over a new contract was close.
Liverpool competing for and signing Upamecano could even convince Konate to stay at Anfield. The pair previously partnered each other in defence for Leipzig and occasionally continue to do so for the France national team, having also played together for the under-21s.
Eurosport France asked Konate in March 2023 to compare Upamecano and Virgil van Dijk. Laughing in response to the question, he asked: “What kind of question is that? You can’t compare the two.
“With Upamecano, we are in the same category, even if he is a very high competitor. But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet.
“We’re still a long way from achieving what he did. Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt.”
