Real Madrid is said to be entering the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, setting up a fierce competition with clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
The 28-year-old, who recently won the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen, will be out of contract in 2025. He has made it clear that he will not be extending his deal with Xabi Alonso’s side as he looks for a new challenge.
In an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung, Tah said, “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.”
Despite rumors of a summer exit, Tah remains with Leverkusen for now. However, he will be able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January. Reports suggest that Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing Tah.
Barcelona and Bayern Munich are currently ahead in the race to secure Tah’s services, but Real Madrid has now joined the competition, according to reports from Sport. Los Blancos have a history of signing defenders on free transfers, including Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
Eder Militao is another option for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but they are seeking reinforcements in defense. Along with Tah, players like William Saliba, Cristian Romero, Antonio Silva, Jorrel Hato, and Goncalo Inacio have been linked with a potential move to Santiago Bernabeu. It seems Real Madrid is determined to strengthen their defensive lineup with some top talents in the upcoming transfer windows.