Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic bowled over by Dayot Upamecano
Hasan Salihamidzic has overseen some big signings in his time as Bayern Munich sporting director - Alphonso Davies, Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane among them - but none have made quite such a first impression at the contract table as Dayot Upamecano.
"When we sat in my office to sign the contract, Dayot put the pen to one side and said, 'Right, now I've signed the contract, I want to make a little speech'," Salihamidzic revealed at Upamecano's official unveiling as a Bayern player on 13 July.
"Then he explained how proud and happy he is to be at Bayern. I've never experienced anything like it. We were all really surprised - by his command of German, too. It's exactly what we expect and need from him. He needs to be loud with his instructions out from the back on the pitch."
Upamecano switches to Bayern on the back of a formative stint at RB Leipzig, whom he joined from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2017. The 22-year-old defender has gone on to make 112 Bundesliga appearances, including 57 under new Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann. He was also part of the Leipzig team that reached the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and has earned three senior international caps for France.
"Dayot doesn't need a long transition period," Salihamidzic continued. "He's here to deliver good performances. He's strong in the tackle, tough, has a good passing game and has the advantage of already knowing the head coach. He knows his leadership qualities will be called on from the get-go."
Watch: Why Dayot Upamecano is the perfect signing for Bayern
Upamecano - who will wear the No.2 shirt at Bayern - is expected to make his debut in the record champions' pre-season opener against Cologne on 17 July, ahead of further friendlies against Ajax, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Napoli.
Nagelsmann's side begin their competitive campaign against fifth-tier Bremer in the DFB Cup first round (6 August), before facing Gladbach away on Bundesliga Matchday 1 (13 August). Germany's most successful club defend their DFL Supercup against DFB Cup holders Borussia Dortmund four days later.
Bayern are bidding for a record-extending 10th successive Bundesliga title, and 31st overall.
Related news
Matchday 31 probable teams
With Granit Xhaka suspended, what options does Xabi Alonso have as Bayer Leverkusen aim to stretch their unbeaten run?
Watch Bundesliga Beyond with Njinmah and Bittencourt
The Bundesliga has teamed up with partner EA Sports and 433 to bring you a monthly chat and challenge with one of the league's current stars. And you can win exclusive prizes too!
What can be confirmed this matchday?
Holstein Kiel and St. Pauli are on the brink at the top of the table, but it's still all to play for at both ends. Find out what can be decided on Matchday 31 in Bundesliga 2…