Bayern Munich completed the first significant piece of summer transfer business this week. The Bundesliga champions strengthened their defense by signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. The German defender completed his medical on Wednesday and signed a contract until 2029.
Die Roten finally got their man, as they had tried to sign Tah last summer. They had agreed personal terms with the German international, but no agreement was reached with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer fee.
Bayern had moved on from Tah after failing to sign him last summer. The 29-year-old defender was expected to seal a move to La Liga as Barcelona held concrete talks with him during the winter transfer window. Real Madrid were also linked with him, but the Catalan club was in the driver’s seat to complete the deal.
Bayer Leverkusen want a seven-figure fee for Tah
According to Sky Sports in Germany (via iMiaSanMia), Bayer Leverkusen have demanded €5 million for Tah. It is a steep price for someone who will be a free agent in a matter of weeks. The Bavarian club remains adamant about not paying a big fee as talks continue between both clubs.
Bayern are currently short in central defense ahead of the Club World Cup due to injuries and departures. Eric Dier has sealed a move to Monaco. He is not expected to play for Die Roten in this tournament. Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are struggling with injuries. As things stand, Josip Stanisic is the only fit senior center-back for Die Roten’s first game at the Club World Cup against Auckland City on June 15.
Die Roten may have to deploy Leon Goretzka in the heart of defense if they fail to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen. Tah may get a chance to play in the games beyond June 30.
Bayern are not completely done in the market when it comes to strengthening the defense. They may look for another center-back if Kim Min-jae ends up leaving the club. There has been intense speculation about the South Korean defender’s future in Munich during the second half of the season. Saudi Arabia and Juventus have been linked with Kim Min-jae, but Bayern are yet to receive a concrete offer.