Bayer Leverkusen’s central defender Jonathan Tah, whose contract expires at the end of the season, finds himself at the center of transfer speculation with Barcelona emerging as a frontrunner for his signature.
The 28-year-old German international, whose father is from Cote d’Ivoire, has been closely monitored by both Barcelona and Bayern Munich in recent months.
Bayern Munich, who had previously shown strong interest in Tah, appear to have withdrawn from the race.
Christoph Freund, Bayern’s Sporting Director, recently stated, “Tah’s name is not in our thoughts now. Our defence is at a high level and it is not something that is on Bayern’s table for next season,” he explained, as quoted by Sport.
With Bayern stepping back, Barcelona has become the focus of Tah’s potential move.
Reports suggest that the defender has prioritized a switch to Catalonia, although no agreement has been finalized.
Barcelona’s interest, however, is complicated by their recent contract extension with Ronald Araujo and the presence of five central defenders already in their squad for the upcoming season.
Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco, has acknowledged the challenges in bringing in another central defender, describing it as “difficult.”
However, uncertainties surrounding Araujo’s future, including potential release clauses in his new contract, could open the door for Tah’s arrival.
Deco has indicated that if Araujo expresses dissatisfaction, the club would be willing to consider his departure.
