Centre-back Jonathan Tah is one of a number of players Bayern are interested in. Head of Sport Max Eberl has now commented on a possible transfer in the summer.
With just 23 goals conceded, German champions Bayer Leverkusen have by far the best defence in the Bundesliga. It is clear that the undisputed leader of the defence is coming into focus. His name is Jonathan Tah and he is currently having the season of his life.
Rumours have persisted for weeks that FC Bayern have expressed an interest in Tah. There have even been concrete talks with the German international’s management. And as centre-back Minjae Kim has apparently slipped onto the strike list after just one season following a recent pitch-black performance in the Champions League against Real Madrid, Tah could now come even more into focus.
Eberl cautious about Tah
According to reports, sporting director Christoph Freund and sporting director Max Eberl are currently trying to force the deal and ultimately finalise it. The Leverkusen defence boss is still under contract with the Werkself until 2025 and his market value is estimated at 30 million euros. One thing is clear: Leverkusen have already clearly communicated their intention to either extend Tah’s contract or sell him. Letting the player leave on a free transfer in the summer of next year is not an option.
In an interview with BILD, Eberl did not want to go too far out on a limb when asked about the interest in Tah: „The answer could be boring for you, but I can’t say much. We are thinking about our options. With a new coach, we will find players who will hopefully want to play for us,“ said the 50-year-old.
Eberl also gave his backing to the current defence in view of the Champions League showdown: „We have four good central defenders and are playing an extremely important game against Real Madrid on Wednesday,“ he said.
First a treble with Leverkusen and then the European Championship at home
Tah also still has big goals this season. Leverkusen have yet to lose a Bundesliga match this season. Coach Xabi Alonso’s team could thus become the first team in league history to remain unbeaten in a season. And in the Europa League, Bayer are on the verge of reaching the final after their 2:0 first-leg win at AS Roma. The Rhinelanders have already made it to the final of the DFB Cup and will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern on 25 May.
Oh yes, and then there’s the European Championship at home in mid-June. And under national coach Julian Nagelsmann, Tah, who has already scored six goals this season, is regarded as a fixture in the centre of defence alongside Toni Rüdiger (Real Madrid).
