Liverpool handed boost in race to sign Bundesliga star linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid: Reports
Liverpool have been handed a big boost in their quest to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah. The centre-back will become a free agent in the summer of 2025. All talks of a new contract with his current club have become untenable, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany.
The Reds have been following the 6ft 5inch-tall defender closely over the summer although Bayern Munich were interested in signing him. However, Leverkusen managed to retain him with one year still to go in his contract. Now, Tah can agree to a pre-contract as early as January 2025.
Tah played a prominent role in Leverkusen winning their maiden Bundesliga title in 2023-24. He played in 31 out of their 34 matches and was even named in the Bundesliga team of the season. Despite being a central defender, Tah scored four goals in the league and helped his team during their times of need.
There have been several reports of Spanish sides Barcelona and Real Madrid being interested in Jonathan Tah, along with Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan. Liverpool, however, are the strongest contenders in the race. They are keen on bringing the German to Anfield to cover the loss of Joel Matip last summer.
Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid feature in the UEFA Champions League
While the building of their respective squads for next year continues, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are doing well in the UEFA Champions League. The Reds have been on fire, having won all three matches they have played so far against AC Milan, Bologna, and RB Leipzig. They will face Leverkusen in their next fixture.
Barcelona, too, have had a decent run in the continental competition, having won two and lost one game. They are ranked in the 10th position of the cumulative rankings with six points. Their arch-rivals and bitter foes Real Madrid are perched two spots below them in the same standings, in the 12th position with the same number of points.
Real Madrid - just like Barcelona - have won two and lost one game in their Champions League campaign so far. Their most recent 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, October 22, made headlines across the world.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are also battling it out for the LaLiga title, with an El Clasico showdown between the two slated to be played on Sunday, October 27.