With the winter break starting this week, Bayern Munich will look to start implementing the plans to strengthen the squad in January. The Bavarian club is looking to strengthen the defense since they are short in numbers after a poor end to the summer window. Moreover, Kim Min-jae will be away with South Korea for the Asian Cup in January.
Earlier this week, one report in Germany confirmed Bayern’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. The German defender reportedly has a release clause in the contract that will be active from the summer. It does look like Leverkusen are in no mood to entertain offers for him in January.
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, told Kicker this week that no player will be leaving in January. Bayer Leverkusen are currently leading the Bundesliga title, so it doesn’t make sense for them to strengthen their direct title rival midway through the season.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports in Germany have also reported that Tah is not looking for a transfer in January. They have confirmed Tuchel’s interest in the player, but several Premier League clubs are also tracking the German defender. A move away from Leverkusen is likely to take place in the summer.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes on Jonathan Tah/Bayern links: "Everyone stays. We won't let go of any players in winter" [@kicker] pic.twitter.com/e50BrZZV8W
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 23, 2023
Jonathan Tah has been delivering quality performances for Bayer Leverkusen this season. Xabi Alonso is getting the best out of him as Leverkusen remain four points clear at the top of the points table. Tah could be a very solid option for Die Roten in the summer if they need more depth in defense.
The Bavarian club will find it difficult to get their top targets in January, as clubs seldom sell quality players midway through the season. A stop-gap deal until the end of the season may end up helping Bayern to get their primary targets in the summer.
Die Roten were creative last winter when they signed Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on a loan deal. They will have to explore the market for similar deals to give Tuchel needed profiles to see out this season and compete for the two trophies. Considering the defenders Bayern have been linked in the past few months, Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet may end up becoming a concrete option since he is likely to be available on loan.
Meanwhile, Josip Stanisic will also stay at Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the season. The Croatian defender recently confirmed that there is no break clause in his loan deal. Bayern had reportedly contemplated the possibility of bringing him back in January to add depth in the defensive positions.