Barcelona and Bayern Munich involved in 3-horse race to sign 28-year-old Bundesliga star: Reports
Barcelona and Bayern Munich are reportedly set to go head-to-head with Inter Milan for a potential transfer of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. The German defender has expressed his desire to move away from the Bundesliga champions and will do so next summer.
Tah was a rock at the back for Bayer Leverkusen as they went through the entire domestic season in Germany without suffering a defeat in the 2023-24 season. The 28-year-old informed the club of his intention to leave at the end of the historic season, but no suitable offers came for him to move.
Jonathan Tah has told Bayer Leverkusen that he won't sign a new contract, allowing him to leave as a free agent in 2025, as per Ekrem Konus. The defender is on the wishlist of several European sides, including fellow Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Inter Milan.
Bayern Munich made an approach to sign Tah from the Bundesliga champions and reportedly agreed on personal terms with the defender. The German giants agreed to sell Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt to Manchester United with the intention of replacing him with Tah. The club are keen to sign the experienced defender to add his quality to their backline next summer.
Barcelona have a need for a new centre-back as the duo of Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen have been linked with moves away from the club. Signing Tah as a free agent would appeal to the Spanish giants, who have begun the 2024-25 season in excellent form.
Inter Milan are in the market for a replacement for veteran defender Francesco Acerbi, who, at 36, is past the peak of his powers. The Italian champions may turn to Tah to fill in for the Italian defender in the summer.
Jonathan Tah has appeared in all four matches for Xabi Alonso's side this season, helping them keep one clean sheet.
Barcelona hand breakout star new contract as reward for performances - Reports
Barcelona have handed a new contract to teenage sensation Marc Bernal following his excellent introduction to first-team football, as per ESPN. The Spanish teenager started all three games for La Blaugrana at the start of the 2024-25 season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Bernal is seen at the club as the closest thing to Sergio Busquets despite being just 17 years old. He's impressed manager Hansi Flick enough to warrant a starting berth. The teenager will sign a new deal until 2026 and will have the option of signing an extension until 2029 when he turns 18.
Marc Bernal will receive a significant pay rise, which would have been triggered once he played 15 senior games, once he signs his new deal. His release clause will also rise to €20 million, indicating how highly the club rates him.