Jonathan Tah names Real Madrid star as best in the world in his position amid interest from Los Blancos
Germany international Jonathan Tah has named Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger as the best defender in the world. The Beyer Leverkusen centre-back has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with his contract expiring next summer.
Tah was talking to GOAL when he was asked to name the best defender in the world. The German quickly named his international teammate Rudiger as the best in the world currently. He said:
“Best CB in the world right now? Antonio Rudiger.”
Jonathan Tah and Rudiger have played 18 matches together for the Germany national team. They have lost just four of those matches and kept four clean sheets as well.
Real Madrid are reportedly looking to sign a defender after Eder Militao suffered another ACL injury. The Brazilian has been ruled out for the season, while in a boost to the side, David Alaba has returned to training.
Real Madrid target confirms Bayer Leverkusen exit
Jonathan Tah has confirmed that he will not extend his contract at Bayer Leverkusen. The German defender's contract with the Bundesliga side expires next summer and he can join another club on a free move.
Speaking to the media earlier this year, Tah confirmed he was looking for a fresh challenge. He said (via BuliNews):
“My decision is just as clear as it was before. I will not be extending my contract (…) I still have a contract until 2025, and until then I will give everything for Leverkusen. I didn't want to leave Leverkusen because I don't feel comfortable there. Quite the opposite. The love I feel for this club will never go away.
“A football career is short, and that's why it's always been my idea to get everything out of it that's possible, to take all the experience with me. And in the summer I just had the feeling that it was time to look at something new - right after our extremely successful last season.”
Bayern Munich were reportedly in talks to sign Tah in the summer but failed to agree a deal with Bayer Leverkusen. The Real Madrid target spoke about the failed move and said:
“I'm certainly not going to point the finger at this club, to whom I owe so much. I also really appreciate the fact that they've now changed their minds, that it's obviously important to them that I stay for sporting and human reasons. That's a nice feeling too."
Apart from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Tah has been linked with Barcelona and Chelsea as well. All clubs are free to agree a pre-contract with the German from January as he will enter the final six months of his contract.