Bayern Munich added a much-needed defender to the squad this summer by completing the medical for Jonathan Tah. The German defender joins Bayern as a free agent as his contract with Bayer Leverkusen ends on June 30. Tah signed a four-year contract with Bayern at Sabner Strasse on Saturday.
Die Roten decided to move quickly for Tah once it became clear that Eric Dier was leaving Munich to join Monaco on a free transfer. They managed to see off competition from FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona for Tah’s signature. He has been their long-term target as they had tried to sign him last summer but couldn’t reach an agreement with Leverkusen regarding a transfer fee.
Tah has been one of the best center-backs in the Bundesliga over the last couple of seasons. He helped Bayer Leverkusen to lift the Bundesliga last season. Tah was the leader and key player at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso.
Former Bayern defender Jerome Boateng believes that Tah can continue to show his quality in Munich. While talking to Sport1 this week (via iMiaSanMia), Boateng insisted that Tah has the skillset and quality to enjoy success at Bayern after taking his game to the next level at Leverkusen over the last two years.
"I'm absolutely convinced of him. He's taken another huge step forward in the last two years, reaching a new level. It's clear that he's learned a lot under Xabi Alonso. I absolutely believe he can play at FC Bayern. He would be an asset and can become the defensive leader. "Jerome Boateng on Jonathan Tah
Tah is likely to be the first-choice center-back option at Bayern. The Bavarian club hopes that he will give the necessary competition to Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae in the heart of defense. Josip Stanisic will also get opportunities in central defense next season. Bayern will hope Hiroki Ito returns to full fitness soon and adds furthermore depth to their options in defense.
Bayern are unlikely to sign another center-back this summer unless Kim Min-jae ends up leaving in the summer. There has been a lot of speculation about his future in the last couple of months. Die Roten are reportedly open to listening to offers for the former Napoli center-back.
Boateng opens up on failed return to Bayern
Apart from heaping praise on Tah, Jerome Boateng also opened up on the situation under Thomas Tuchel two years ago when he was close to returning to Bayern. The German defender was training with the first team. Amidst the injury crisis in the first team, Tuchel was open to adding Boateng to the squad.
Boateng insisted that he was very close to joining the team, but his personal life and ongoing court case played a role in the club’s decision not to offer him a contract.