Official: Bayern Munich make their first transfer of 2021

The European champions have done their first bit of transfer business for 2021 by announcing a new big-name signing.

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Dayot Upamecano on a five-year deal from RB Leipzig. The defender will officially join the club at the start of the summer transfer window on July 1.

From relative obscurity to one of the Bundesliga’s hotshots, Upamecano’s career has been unusual yet fruitful all the same. It’s established him as one of the most exciting young defenders at RB Leipzig.

Another round of impressive performances this season had made him a top target for clubs across Europe.

ℹ️ #FCBayern have agreed to sign Dayot #Upamecano from 1st July 2021 🤝

📰 https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG #MiaSanMia

— 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) February 14, 2021

But Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic announced on Friday that Upamecano had agreed on personal terms with the club. And as the Bavarians intend to activate his €42.5m release clause, no negotiations with Leipzig are required.

“Dayot Upamecano (22, RB Leipzig) will play for FC Bayern Munich from July 1, 2021,” read a club statement.

“The defensive player and the German record champions agreed on a five-year collaboration until June 30, 2026.”

Salihamidzic added: “We’re happy that we’ve been able to sign Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern München. We’re convinced that Dayot will be a very important member of our team in the coming years.”

Talks between Upamecano and Bayern reportedly began towards the end of the January transfer window. The German giants expected competition, particularly from Premier League sides, but did enough to convince him.

The center-back becomes the club’s first confirmed transfer of 2021.