Barcelona look set to beat Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to sign defender for free - Reports
Barcelona are looking to beat Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the race for Jonathan Tah, according to Mundo Deportivo. The German defender's contract with Bayer Leverkusen will expire at the end of this season and he hasn't yet signed a new deal.
Tah's contract situation has already alerted clubs across the continent. The 28-year-old has been a rock at the back for Leverkusen recently and helped them secure a domestic double last season.
Tah once said he will leave the BayArena at the end of this season, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona on high alert. The Catalans have been hot on his heels for a while and have now stepped up their efforts to secure his services.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are also in the market for defensive reinforcements. With Eder Militao out for the season with an ACL injury and David Alaba yet to return, the LaLiga champions are pretty thin at the back.
Tah's contract situation also makes him a lucrative option for Real Madrid. However, Barcelona sporting director Deco reportedly met with the player's agent on Thursday (December 5) to discuss a move.
The Catalans described their plans in detail to the player's entourage and the German defender was moved by the club's gesture. He is now open to a transfer to Camp Nou, which puts the Blaugrana in an advantageous position in the race.
Tah previously revealed that he was smitten by Ronaldinho as a child and followed Barcelona. He has also said he opts for the Catalans as his team when he plays FIFA with his friends.
Will Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns for another Bundesliga star in 2025?
Barcelona and Real Madrid could go head to head for Florian Wirtz in the summer of 2025. While the Catalans are the favorites in the race for Jonathan Tah, they are lagging behind their bitter rivals in the pursuit of Wirtz.
The German midfielder has been key to Bayer Leverkusen's rise in recent times. Los Blancos have apparently identified him as a possible replacement for Luka Modric.
The Croatian midfielder is in the final phase of his career and his contract expires at the end of this season. Meanwhile, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is also tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer. Should the Spaniard take over at Real Madrid, they will be overwhelming favorites for Wirtz's services.