After clinching the Bundesliga title, Bayern Munich have already started working on the plans to strengthen the squad for the next campaign. They have taken significant steps to improve their defensive options in the last few days.
According to BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern Munich has overtaken Barcelona and now leads the race to sign Jonathan Tah this summer. The 29-year-old center-back is inclined to stay in Germany and will likely reject a move to Spain. Tah was heavily linked to FC Barcelona in the last few months. The Spanish club had held positive talks with his representatives. However, Bayern leapfrogged them after they made their interest concrete once Eric Dier decided to leave Bavaria.
Bayern tried to sign Tah last summer. They had agreed personal terms with the German defender, but couldn't reach an agreement over a transfer fee with Bayer Leverkusen.
In April, Jonathan Tah announced his decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen as his contract expires, and he will be available as a free agent. In his 10 years at the BayArena, he made 401 appearances, scored 18 goals, and became the club's vice-captain in the legendary undefeated campaign that saw them win the domestic double. In the meantime, the towering center-back also earned 35 caps for the German national team.
Bayern Munich is expected to reward Jonathan Tah with a three-year deal until 2028, with an option to extend an extra year. However, the details are not yet finalized. Max Eberl and Christoph Freund will hold talks with Tah and his agent, Pini Zahavi, in the coming days. Pini Zahavi is also the representative of Leroy Sane, for whom Bayern is also facing barriers in settling an extension.
More than a replacement
After failing to extend the contract of Eric Dier, Bayern need reinforcement in the backline. Jonathan Tah will no doubt be a great replacement for the Englishman, or even an upgrade from some perspectives. They share some resemblances in playstyle as ultra-defensive-minded sweepers who prefer to hold their position to provide cover and maintain structural stability. Both are also outstanding in the air and have scored important goals for their club.
Compared to Dier, Bayer Leverkusen's star man is also two years younger and well in his prime. Plus, Tah can add the German mentality and heritage that have been missing from Bayern's back four in the past years. He can be the "defensive leader" that Bayern was searching for.
The signing of Jonathan Tah will hopefully fortify Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga and allow Die Roten to challenge on the European stage. But will this be the only defender signing of the window for Bayern?