Bayern Munich are trying to overhaul the central defensive options for next season. They have already signed Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart. The Japanese defender signed a four-year deal with Bayern. The Bavarian club is also interested in signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen.
According to SportBild, Bayern had the first bid rejected for Tah. Die Roten’s first bid was worth €20 million for the German international, but Bayer Leverkusen want €40 million for him. Tah has one year left on his contract, but Leverkusen have no plans to give a discount on the German defender, particularly to a rival.
Tah has already agreed personal terms with Bayern. However, the Bavarian club will not pay over the odds to sign the German defender due to his contract situation. He can negotiate with clubs regarding a free transfer next summer in January.
The 28-year-old defender was a key player for Leverkusen in their domestic double-winning campaign. Tah is a quality defender and has leadership qualities that will certainly help Die Roten to improve their leaky defense.
Bayern may improve their bid, but they are unlikely to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s price. Tah is currently with the German squad at the Euros. A resolution for the transfer will likely take place after the European Championship.
Meanwhile, Bayern are open to listening to offers for Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano. The Dutch defender’s wages are significant, while Upamecano has struggled for consistency in the last couple of seasons. Upamecano is reportedly open to a departure, but De Ligt’s future will be resolved after the Euros.
Die Roten are also working on deals for Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons. The Bavarian club is going to make a final bid for the Portuguese midfielder. They have also started negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain regarding a loan deal for Simons. Bayern will include an obligation to buy the Dutch attacking midfielder in the deal with PSG.
The Bavarian club is hopeful about completing a move for Michael Olise this week. The French winger chose Bayern over offers from Newcastle United and Chelsea. Die Roten have an agreement over a fee with Crystal Palace. Olise has to undergo medical before signing a five-year deal with Bayern.