At FC Barcelona, their sports planning for this summer transfer window suddenly took an unexpected turn. Why? Initially having an 'excess' of defenders, now, following the departures of Mika Faye to Rennes and Clément Lenglet to Atlético Madrid, and with injuries affecting Ronald Araújo (right thigh hamstring tendon), Andreas Christensen (left Achilles tendonitis), and Eric García (right foot plantar fasciitis), the team finds itself with only three options to reinforce the defense: two starting center-backs, Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez, and one who must play as a right-back out of necessity, Jules Koundé.
This situation has created an unexpected need to incorporate a central defender to add depth to that position. It is here, while evaluating various market options, that the name of Jonathan Tah has emerged, a German 'shield' who is close to the end of his contract with Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 and does not seem to have renewal prospects, which could make his price affordable.
The contrast in opinions between what Barça offers and what Bayer wants for Tah
Now, according to various sources, the Barcelona team would have presented an offer of €20 million for the German international, an amount below his market value, according to the website 'Transfermarkt' (€30 million). It seems that, as stated in 'Mundo Deportivo', 'Die Werkself' considers this proposal insufficient and is seeking an amount higher than €30 million.
In this regard, the transaction may be stalling, as the Barcelona team is clear that although they value the center-back, highly regarded in the eyes of Hansi Flick, they do not intend to 'break the bank' for a central defender who, if things continue as they are, would be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. Under this premise, a significant detail that could have a great influence is that Tah wants to leave the German team as soon as possible.
The defender has already expressed his desire to leave 'Die Werkself' this summer
This was confirmed by the agent of the Hamburger, Pini Zahavi, in a recent statement to the German publication 'BILD': "There have been several offers in recent weeks, all of them rejected despite his desire. We want to prevent such an important player like Jonathan from leaving the club for free next summer. Therefore, we hope to find a short-term solution with which all parties can be satisfied in the end. Jona made the decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the beginning of this summer and communicated this to the club in several personal conversations. After nine years at Bayer, including the historic league title last season, Jona now wants to take the next step in his career".
Knowing this, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Germans ultimately give in and let Tah go, perhaps profiling FC Barcelona as the top contender, both due to the player's preference and the likely fact that Bayer Leverkusen would prefer to see the defender wearing the Blaugrana shirt, rather than strengthening one of their Bundesliga rivals, Bayern Munich, who are the other team interested in acquiring Jonathan's services. The Bavarians have reportedly already presented an offer slightly higher than that of the Catalan side, €20 million plus five in variables. Now, it remains to be seen how things unfold in a transfer window that is becoming hectic concerning the defender's situation.