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Home FC Bayern Secures Young Ecuadorian Defender Virgilio Olaya, Amidst Injury Crisis and Contract Talks

FC Bayern Secures Young Ecuadorian Defender Virgilio Olaya, Amidst Injury Crisis and Contract Talks

Henrik MüllerDecember 22, 20253 Mins read15

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Munich, Bavaria, Germany – December 22, 2025 – FC Bayern Munich is making headlines with a new transfer agreement, significant player absences, and ongoing contract negotiations. The club has reportedly secured a promising young defender from South America, while several key players are sidelined, leading to an unexpected captaincy for Harry Kane. Discussions surrounding Dayot Upamecano’s contract extension are also a central topic.

FC Bayern Secures Young Ecuadorian Defender Virgilio Olaya

FC Bayern has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign 17-year-old Ecuadorian defender Virgilio Olaya from SD Aucas. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal is valued at €4.5 million. Olaya is expected to sign his contract in February 2026, upon turning 18. He is not intended for immediate first-team action but will likely be loaned out to gain experience. Olaya has seven caps for Ecuador’s U17 national team and five appearances in the Ecuadorian first division, marking him as one of the country’s brightest talents.

Injury Crisis and Harry Kane’s Captaincy Debut

The club is currently grappling with a severe injury crisis, particularly in defense, ahead of its final Bundesliga match of the year against 1. FC Heidenheim. Manuel Neuer (muscle fiber tear) and Joshua Kimmich (ankle problems) are both out, leading to Harry Kane wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in a competitive match for Bayern. Other notable absences include Konrad Laimer (yellow card suspension), Minjae Kim (toothache and muscle discomfort), Nicolas Jackson (Africa Cup of Nations), and Sacha Boey, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Tom Bischof (illness). Despite the numerous setbacks, coach Vincent Kompany expressed optimism, stating, “We have enough lads who have trained hard this week.” The return of Michael Olise (after eye surgery) and Luis Diaz (after serving a yellow card suspension) offers some relief.

Upamecano Contract Talks: Release Clause a Key Issue

Contract extension talks with defender Dayot Upamecano, whose current deal expires in summer 2026, are progressing, though a release clause remains a sticking point. Reports suggest a general agreement on base salary, bonuses, and a signing fee has been reached. However, Upamecano and his agents are pushing for an earlier activation of a release clause, while Bayern aims for it to become valid only from 2028. Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, stating, “We are talking, and we are talking very well.”

No Christmas Party for Bayern Stars This Year

Unlike previous years, the FC Bayern players, coaches, and management will not have a club-organised Christmas party this year. The decision was reportedly due to scheduling difficulties, with two Sunday matches before Christmas making a Saturday event impossible, and many players unwilling to celebrate on a Monday. A New Year’s party in January 2026 is planned as a replacement, a practice seen in 2022 and 2023.

Diant Ramaj Transfer Decision Explained

The club reportedly considered signing goalkeeper Diant Ramaj when he was at Ajax Amsterdam but ultimately decided against it. According to Bild, Ramaj’s character, perceived as a “hothead” prone to red cards, played a role in the decision. Bayern instead signed Daniel Peretz and Jonas Urbig. Ramaj later moved to Borussia Dortmund and has since been loaned out twice.

Upamecano’s Move to Grünwald Villa Sparks Speculation

Dayot Upamecano recently moved within Munich to a villa in Grünwald, previously owned by Franck Ribéry. This move has fueled speculation that a contract extension with FC Bayern is imminent, as a relocation for only a few months before a potential departure would seem unlikely given his contract expiring in summer 2026.