Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah was widely expected to leave the club this summer, with his contract up next year. Available on a free in four months’ time, it is no surprise that he is already emerging as a top target for a number of clubs after a stellar season.
Barcelona made a late attempt to sign Tah, but ran into a stubborn Leverkusen and a lack of funds. However they are expected to carry on their interest in the 28-year-old. One major boost is that Bayern Munich, who reportedly agreed personal terms with Tah months ago, are no longer the top contender for his signature. BILD (via Sport) report that relations between the German international and the Bavarian side are strained, after Bayern failed to get a deal over the line and leaving him in an awkward position.
Their information is that Bayern are on the outside looking in as it stands, although clearly that can change. On the flipside, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all credited with interest in him too.
Tah has confirmed he will not be renewing his contract with Leverkusen, and as such will be a an opportunity on the market. Barcelona are not likely to be able to give the English teams a battle in terms of money for Tah, and it will hinge primarily on his demands for Barcelona to stand a chance. However, with four of their five central defenders out of contract in the next two years, Barcelona may feel it is worth stretching for.
