RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano should show patience by staying with Julian Nagelsmann’s side for another season or two, according to Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus.
Many of Europe’s elite sides have registered serious interest in his services, with the France under-21 international entering the final twelve months of his current contract this summer.
Reports suggest he’s unwilling to extend terms at the Red Bull Arena, but Matthäus has warned him against making the wrong career choice at a key moment in his development.
As quoted by Goal via Sky Germany, Lothar said perhaps now isn’t the time for a big-money move as he wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting berth.
“I can see him playing for all the big club when he gets more experience. If he does leave, he needs to make sure his new coach gives him the confidence to play regularly – as he is doing at Leipzig.
He’s a young player, highly-rated, fast, has a good positional game and uses his body well for a 21-year-old. But a year or two [more] in Leipzig would not hurt him. They are a top team, one of the last eight remaining in the Champions League.”
Leipzig ran out 4-0 aggregate winners against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham side in the last-16, with their 3-0 home leg victory on March 10 being the final game before last month’s suspension.
Upamecano has made 104 appearances for Leipzig, having joined from sister club RB Salzburg – a £9m move in January 2017.
To date, he’s featured on 26 occasions in the Champions League and Europa League competitions, while making his 75th Bundesliga appearance during their 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on March 1.
How will coronavirus affect things?
Given his contractual situation, he’s reportedly valued at €70m (£60.8m), a fee that could potentially prove a masterstroke for any of his multiple suitors.
“I can still see one or two per cent where he can learn, but he’s a huge player and that’s why I’m not surprised that top clubs in Europe are after him.
But you can’t speculate much about change because you need to see how the [coronavirus] situation develops.”
The summer transfer window is set to be moved as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
The current season has been postponed until such time it’s safe for players and club staff across Europe to return to work, but all fixtures could be voided completely if the crisis continues for months.
Mo and Sports 