Why Upamecano joining Bayern could lead to Boateng moving to Chelsea

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:44 CDT
• 2 min read

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea at the end of this current season. 

According to German newspaper BILD, the central defender has attracted the interest of the London club following the arrival of new manager Thomas Tuchel. 

Tuchel, who coached at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain and now Chelsea, will be well aware of what Boateng is capable of and how many trophies he’s won in Munich. 

Although nothing has been confirmed about the apparent interest from the Premier League side or indeed Boateng’s willingness to move on from Bayern at the end of the season, it does seem as though things are falling into place to potentially nudge the defender out the door this summer. 

And perhaps that could then allow Chelsea to strike an agreement with the player and bring Boateng to London. 

Why would Boateng leave Bayern? 

After 10 years and at least 15 major titles with the Bundesliga giants, it may seem odd to think Boateng would be willing to give up the relative comfort of Bayern to try something new in the Premier League. 

However, the 32-year-old defender may not have much of a choice in the matter. Boateng’s current contract with Bayern is set to run out at the end of the season and despite some minor gestures from the club’s hierarchy that have suggested that they’re desperate to renew his deal, nothing has been forthcoming thus far. 

According to reports in Germany, the club’s head coach Hansi Flick is keen to keep Boateng as he continues to rely on the defender whenever he’s fit. However, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is apparently doing his best to convince his head coach to dump Boateng in favour of the younger and expensively acquired Lucas Herndanez, Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Sule or even young talent Tanguy Nianzou. 

Salihamidzic’s desire to revitalise Bayern’s defence is perhaps most notable in the recently confirmed signing of Dayot Upamecano, who will join the club from RB Leipzig for €42 million in the summer. 

While Upamecano may technically be a replacement for the departing David Alaba, he also represents a notable effort to modernise Bayern’s defensive line. And his arrival could signal a move away from relying on 32-year-old Boateng next season. If so, that’s perhaps where Chelsea can strike.