Bayern Munich reject Barcelona approach for Jonathan Tah

Bayern Munich have ruled out allowing Jonathan Tah to leave during the January transfer window, dealing a setback to Barcelona’s plans to strengthen their defence.

Barcelona sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick have identified an experienced centre-back as a priority for the second half of the season. However, the club’s financial difficulties are making it complicated to complete new signings in the winter window.

Tah emerged as one of Barcelona’s targets after reports in the German media suggested the Spanish club had begun exploring a possible move. The Germany defender was also considered by Barcelona last season, while his experience matches the criteria set by Deco and Flick for their defensive recruitment.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Deco and Flick asked agent Pini Zahavi to assess Tah’s situation and determine whether Bayern Munich would consider his departure. Zahavi held a meeting in late October, around the time of Bayern’s Champions League match against Arsenal.

The meeting brought together a representative of Tah, who also has close professional ties with Barcelona, and Bayern sporting director Max Eberl. They discussed the defender’s sporting situation and whether the German club might permit him to leave in January.

Tah has not yet consistently produced the level expected since joining Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, the club does not appear willing to release him. The player is also not showing a strong desire to leave the Bundesliga, although he has authorised Zahavi to investigate the possibility of a move to Barcelona.

Bayern maintain firm stance

Competition for places in Bayern’s central defence has contributed to Barcelona’s interest. Vincent Kompany relies primarily on Dayot Upamecano, while Tah and South Korea international Kim Min-jae have alternated in the other position.

Bayern’s defensive performances have caused some concern this season, and Tah’s presence on the substitutes’ bench for almost half of the team’s matches encouraged Barcelona to ask Zahavi to explore a January transfer. The Catalan club hoped his current position could make an experienced defender available without complex financial negotiations.

That plan has not progressed as Barcelona hoped. Bayern have made it clear they will not consider Tah’s departure, either on a permanent transfer or on loan. Their position is not limited to a move to Barcelona: the club also do not appear prepared to let him join any other side.

The decision is a blow to Deco and Flick, who had hoped to take advantage of Tah’s uncertain place in Bayern’s starting line-up.

Barcelona continue to prioritise a defender who can adapt quickly to their style and provide experienced support for younger players including Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin. The club’s preference has shifted away from signing another promising young defender in favour of an established player capable of handling pressure and important matches.

With fewer options available and financial restrictions limiting the possibility of an expensive deal, Deco must look for a solution within Barcelona’s economic means. The club still intends to provide Flick with defensive reinforcements in January unless unforeseen circumstances prevent it.

Bayern Munich face Cologne in the Bundesliga on 20 November 2026, while Barcelona play Villarreal in La Liga on 22 November 2026.