Barcelona have reportedly set eyes on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah in the final stages of the transfer market, in case they are able to sign a new sponsorship deal with Nike, and thus make further signings from within their salary limit. However it looks far from an easy deal.
Tah, 28, is coming off the back of an exceptional season with Leverkusen, but is out of contract in a year’s time. After being left out of the German Supercup by Xabi Alonso amid speculation on his future though, his manager has now issued a ‘hands off’ for his star centre-back.
“We are calm and I don’t expect too many changes. He is a mature and totally focused player,” manager Alonso was quoted by MD.
Barcelona have reassured Christensen that he will be able to play whenever he returns from his injury, which according to the player's camp, is much earlier than four months. Barça used his injury to register Dani Olmo. @ferrancorreas
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 27, 2024
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has asked agent Pini Zahavi to look into the deal, and the Blaugrana have enquired about him. Despite Alonso’s statements, Florian Plettenberg has reported that Leverkusen will consider an exit for Tah until deadline day, but will demand a €30m fee for him. He is out of contract this summer.
🚨🔴🆕 Jonathan #Tah and Pini Zahavi have made it clear once again that he wants to leave Leverkusen now or as a free agent in 2025! Contract extension not an option …
⚠️ Bayer 04 willing to let him go until Deadline Day as Tah wants to leave!
▫️Barcelona have inquired about… pic.twitter.com/bte7Yk4Ke5
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 27, 2024
Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Bayern Munich have renewed contacts with Tah. The German Rekordmeister have been heavily linked with him all summer, and several outlets had reported the deal as done.
🔴🇩🇪 FC Bayern remain attentive to Jonathan Tah situation for the final days of the transfer window.
New contacts took place in the last 24h as if Kingsley Coman leaves the club, FC Bayern could try again for Tah.
One to watch until the end. pic.twitter.com/tQWsszStUD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2024
Barcelona must still get a new sponsorship deal over the line with Nike and then have it ratified by La Liga before they can think about a move. A €30m fee would also be a major outlay for a player that until now has not been considered a key position of need. Currently Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been Flick’s starting pair, albeit with Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia dealing with different stages of fitness or injuries.
