Bayern Munich hold talks with Bayer Leverkusen defender

With the summer transfer window around the corner, Bayern Munich have started working on their targets. The club chiefs are already laying the groundwork for players they want to sign. The Bavarian club has shortlisted one of the best performers of the Bundesliga this season to improve their defensive department.

According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern have a concrete interest in Bayer Leverkusen center-back Jonathan Tah. The Bavarian club has held talks with the representatives of Tah regarding a summer transfer. Bayer Leverkusen want to keep Tah for next season, but the German defender can imagine looking for a new club in the summer.

Tah has been exceptional for Bayer Leverkusen this season. He has been a mainstay in Xabi Alonso’s team, which is on the verge of going a season unbeaten in the Bundesliga. Tah has chipped in with four goals and one assist while making 27 appearances in the league. The German defender can win the treble with Leverkusen this season after lifting the Bundesliga title earlier this month. They remain in contention to win the DFB Pokal and Europa League. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)

The 28-year-old center-back will be a good signing for Die Roten, depending on the transfer fee they will pay to Bayer Leverkusen. His contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires next summer. A cut-price deal for Tah will certainly improve Bayern’s defensive department.

Jonathan Tah was linked with a move to Bayern in January when they were looking to sign a center-back. Since Bayer Leverkusen were leading in the Bundesliga title race, a move to Bavaria was never going to materialize for Tah. The Bavarian club ended up signing Eric Dier on a short-term deal.

Despite Dier activating the option to extend his contract until 2025, Bayern are expected to sign a central defender in the summer. They have been heavily linked with FC Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. Tah is likely to be second in the list of center-back targets for Rekordmeister.

Along with signing a new center-back, Bayern also have to define the future of existing defenders at the club. Matthijs de Ligt has emphatically ruled out a move away from Bavaria in the summer. Kim Min-jae has been linked with Napoli and Inter Milan after losing his place in the starting XI during Ruckrunde. 

Dayot Upamecano will reportedly hold talks with club chiefs to get clarity over his role at the club. The French defender has not played regularly during Ruckrunde. Depending on exits, Bayern may have to tweak their plans for the defensive department in the summer.