“My decision is made” - Barcelona and Bayern Munich target opens up on his future amidst transfer speculations
Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has decided his future after spending the summer on the radars of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The Germany international remained with the Bundesliga champions despite being linked with a move away throughout the transfer window.
Tah was a rock in the back for Bayer Leverkusen as they ran away with the Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, finishing the season unbeaten domestically. He also made the German national team squad to Euro 2024, appearing four times as Die Mannschaft crashed out in the quarterfinals.
Jonathan Tah told the media about his Bayer Leverkusen future, revealing that he intends to leave the club at the next opportunity. The 28-year-old confirmed he would not renew his contract, which will expire in 2025.
He told German media outlet SZ (via Fabrizio Romano):
“I’m NOT gonna sign a new deal at Bayer Leverkusen. My decision is made”.
“I will give my best until the end here and then we will see about my future club. But my decision is to go and try different experience”.
Tah was a key player for Xabi Alonso's side in their historice Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double-winning 2023-24 season. He made 37 appearances across both competitions, helping his side keep 16 clean sheets.
Bayern Munich were strongly linked with the centre-back, who reportedly had an agreement in place on personal terms with the Bundesliga giants. Barcelona also looked at the defender as they sought to strengthen their backline following an injury to Ronald Araujo.
Tah will now move away from Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window or next summer. He has already made two league appearances for the club this season.
Barcelona star not closing door on future Bayern Munich switch
Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has opened the door to a future move to Bayern Munich. He has been at the Camp Nou since 2015, having joined from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Ter Stegen was recently confirmed as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer retired from international football. He was asked in a press conference about his thoughts on a move to replace Neuer at Bayern Munich.
The Barcelona custodian responded he is happy at the Spanish club and hopes to stay there for long. He did, however, say the future is unpredictable, meaning he may end up at Bayern if their situations align in the coming seasons.
"Wow. I have a relatively long contract in Barcelona. I am very happy there. My family is happy in Catalonia," he said (via Tribal Football).
"I'm just looking forward to the season, that's where my focus lies. You never know what will happen in the future. I don't know if playing in Germany again will be a goal for me in the future. We'll see. But generally speaking, I'm very happy with my situation and with where I am at the moment," the goalkeeper added.