Barcelona’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has been ongoing since last summer’s transfer window. Now, with a genuine opportunity to secure his services, the Catalan club appears more determined than ever to bring him.
Tah has openly expressed his readiness for a new challenge, and with his contract set to expire in 2025, Barcelona remain interested in signing him.
According to Mundo Deportivo, there is more to their pursuit than just his potential free-agent status next summer. The club’s sporting management sees him as a long-term option, a player who could help solidify their defensive line for years to come.
A very strategic signing
Currently, Barcelona only have Pau Cubarsi as a defender committed until 2027, with the possibility of extending his contract until 2029 once he reaches legal age.
While Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are integral parts of the defence, their contracts run out in 2026, and negotiations for an extension have yet to move forward.
Tah represents a potential bargain due to his upcoming free-agent status, but it is not just about getting a good deal.
Tah offers a lot
Tah’s imposing physical presence makes him a significant threat in both defence and attack, having scored six goals last season.
Additionally, his ball-playing ability and experience after spending a decade at Leverkusen make him an attractive option for Barcelona’s style of play. Barcelona’s current defensive situation also adds urgency to the pursuit of Tah.
With Inigo Martinez’s contract expiring in 2025 unless he meets certain game requirements, and the uncertainty around contract extensions for Araujo, Christensen, and Eric Garcia, the need for reinforcements is evident.
Martinez’s contract could be extended if he plays 60% of the games this season, but his age—he will turn 34 in May—means that Barcelona need younger options like Tah to secure their future.
Player valuation in the title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.
