They made the decision that they would look at signing a new centre-back had Dayot Upamecano not agreed on signing a new contract. But the Frenchman did put pen to paper! So, Bayern have decided on Upamecano though not against Schlotterbeck, it should be emphasised. He would have been a sound alternative had FC Bayern needed a defender.
Crystal Palace are exploring a move for highly rated Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, with the club considering both a loan and a permanent deal for one of the Premier League's most exciting young centre-backs. According to Sky Sports News, the 19-year-old has emerged as a serious option for the Eagles as they continue to rebuild their defensive structure following Marc Guehi's high-profile transfer to Manchester City earlier this month.
Barcelona are well aware that signing a left-footed centre-back will be a priority in the upcoming transfer window. The club's sporting department has been analysing several profiles over recent months, and Schlotterbeck was one of the names that appeared on their internal shortlist. His strong performances for Borussia Dortmund this season, combined with his international experience, initially made him an attractive candidate. Another factor working in Schlotterbeck's favour was his existing relationship with Hansi Flick.
Liverpool have not had a breakthrough in contract talks with key central defender Ibrahima Konate as he nears the end of his Reds contract. The France international has been an important part of the Liverpool squad since joining in the summer of 2021, going on to make 161 appearances for the club in total, and helping them win the Premier League title last season.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, much criticized for error-strewn performances this season, conceded a penalty in what turned into a match-defining moment in his team's 3-3 draw away to Leeds on Saturday. As things stand right now, Konate will be out of contract at the end of the season, and whatever happens on that front, Liverpool obviously need defensive reinforcements.
CrystalPalace appear to be bracing themselves for a significant defensive shake-up ahead of the upcoming transfer windows. According to FootballInsider, Palace are already drawing up plans to bring in a new centre-back, citing the looming departure of their key man MarcGuehi. With the England international seemingly bound for pastures new, the Eagles' hierarchy are working to ensure they are not caught short at the back.
"The talks are ongoing, with Max Eberl and Christoph Freund conducting them. And of course I hope that Dayot will stay with us for a long time to come," Hainer told Abendzeitung's Maximilian Koch (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). The center-back's future will play a big role in Bayern Munich's future planning. With the summer of 2026 likely to be one where the Bavarians need to spend, hitting the transfer market for another central defender could be a tough, but necessary item on the shopping list.
One of, if not the best, English center-backs in the meantime, Crystal Palace's long-time captain, Marc Guehi, has fallen into Bayern's radar for a potential move. The 25-year-old was on track to go to Liverpool at the deadline, but the move was eventually vetoed as Palace's supposed replacement, Igor, failed the medical test. Despite the transfer drama, Guehi's professionalism was shown in his performance at the beginning of the season.
