Barcelona identify Germany international as potential replacement for Eric Garcia - Reports
according to SPORT, Barcelona have identified Jonathan Tah as a possible replacement for Eric Garcia. The Spanish defender is set to return to action for Barca after the international break.
However, Garcia won't be automatically drafted into the starting XI, given the current form of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. The 23-year-old could drop further down the pecking order once Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen return to full fitness.
Garcia is understandably frustrated by the situation and wants to leave in search of regular first-team football. He apparently wants to return to Girona, having enjoyed an impressive time at the Estadi Montilivi last season.
Should he leave, Barcelona will move for Tah to address the issue. The German defender was a rock at the back for Bayer Leverkusen last season, helping them secure a domestic double.
However, Tah's contract at the BayArena expires at the end of this campaign and he has already stated that he will not sign a new deal. The Catalan giants could sign him for free next summer, which will suit them.
The LaLiga giants could also consider a move at the turn of the year, when the 28-year-old could be available for just €20m. Barcelona are likely to have funds available to spend on new players in 2025 following the Nike deal.
Tah has appeared 17 times across competitions for the Bundesliga champions this season, helping register five clean sheets. Flick is apparently keen to see him at Camp Nou and is already in touch with the player's agent Pini Zahavi to facilitate a deal.
How many clean sheets have Barcelona registered this season?
Barcelona have conceded just 12 times in the LaLiga this season. Despite their 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad on Sunday, November 10, Barca remain at the top of the league table with 33 points.
The Spanish giants have four clean sheets in the league this season and five in 17 games in total under Hansi Flick. The German manager has vastly improved the club's performances since taking charge this summer.
Barcelona have won 14 of their 17 games across competitions under Flick, conceding 17 goals. The club struggled to reinforce the squad over the summer, bringing in just Dani Olmo, but Flick has made the most of the options.