Barcelona make Ronald Araujo decision amid links with Bundesliga star wanted by Real Madrid: Reports
Barcelona have made a decision on Ronald Araujo's future at the club amid rumors linking Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah with a move to the Camp Nou. According to Fichajes.net, amid interest from Real Madrid, the Catalan giants have made the German centre-back a priority signing and are prepared to let their Uruguayan star depart.
Tah played a pivotal part in helping Leverkusen win an invincible Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal title, and reach the finals of the Europa League. Overall, he has made 374 appearances for Die Werkself across all competitions.
Tah's contract at the BayArena is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. He will be free to talk to other clubs about a potential transfer in January, with bitter Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid leading the list of suitors.
While working on the 28-year-old's transfer, Barca are simultaneously preparing for the departure of Araujo at the end of the season. While he was a vital cog in their LaLiga-winning side in 2022-23, injuries have plagued him throughout his tenure in Catalonia.
He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, alongside fellow defender Andreas Christensen (achilles tendon injury). The Dane's projected return in January, the emergence of Pau Cubarsi, and the resurgence of Inigo Martinez make the 25-year-old too valuable to stay as a rotational player.
Barcelona is reportedly hoping to recoup a fee of €30 million from his transfer, which will then be used to settle their books and leave them free to focus on reinforcing other positions.
Amid Real Madrid interest, Barcelona make initial proposal to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah: Reports
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via Gerard Romero), Barcelona have extended an initial offer to Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah.
The Catalan giants are currently ahead of other top European sides, like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, in the race for Tah's signature. Sporting director Deco's meeting with the German defender's agent, Pini Zahavi, was described as 'positive' by Romano, who also confirmed that a contract offer was tabled by Barca.
With Antonio Rudiger being the only established defender fit to play at the moment, Real Madrid are in desperate need of defensive depth. After the latest reports about Tah, it is clear that Los Blancos will have to look at other options in order to solve their woes.
With Inigo Martinez's contract also expiring at the end of the season, Barcelona will have a replacement at the ready if they secure the Leverkusen man's services.