Bundesliga star makes decision on his future amid interest from Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid: Reports
Jonathan Tah has reportedly made it clear once again that he will not sign a new deal at Bayer Leverkusen amid interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The German is said to be wanting a step up in his career and wants to take on a new challenge.
As per a report by journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are currently the two offers on Tah's table. The two sides are keen on signing him on a free transfer next summer and the German is also interested in joining them.
However, BILD have reported that Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the defender. They are looking to sign a center-back in the summer and see the German as an ideal candidate as he will be available for free.
The 28-year-old reportedly wanted to leave Leverkusen in the summer and had already communicated his decision to the club at the end of their title-winning season. However, they refused to sell him as they wanted to keep Xabi Alonso's squad intact after their incredible last season.
He admitted that there was no hate for the club's decision and said (via BuLi News):
"I'm certainly not going to point the finger at this club, to whom I owe so much. I also really appreciate the fact that they've now changed their minds, that it's obviously important to them that I stay for sporting and human reasons. That's a nice feeling too."
Inter Milan have also been linked with the German defender but reports in Germany suggest Tah will opt for Bayern Munich or Barcelona when his contract expires. The defender is free to sign a pre-contract with any club from January as he will enter the final six months of his contract.
Real Madrid and Barcelona target confirms exit amid Bayern Munich interst
Jonathan Tah spoke to the media earlier this season and admitted that he had no plans to sign a new deal at Bayer Leverkusen. He claimed that the decision was sealed and there was nothing that would change his mind.
He told the media (via BuLi news):
"My decision is just as clear as it was before. I will not be extending my contract (…) I still have a contract until 2025, and until then I will give everything for Leverkusen. I didn't want to leave Leverkusen because I don't feel comfortable there. Quite the opposite. The love I feel for this club will never go away. A football career is short, and that's why it's always been my idea to get everything out of it that's possible, to take all the experience with me. And in the summer I just had the feeling that it was time to look at something new - right after our extremely successful last season."
Bayern Munich were reportedly in talks to sign Tah in the summer, but they failed to agree a deal with Bayer Leverkusen. Real Madrid are said to be in the market for a defender after the ACL injury to Eder Militao.