Bayern Munich make progress in deal for Jonathan Tah

Bayern Munich have been decisive in the summer transfer window until now. They have identified defense as a key area to be strengthened this summer. Bayer Leverkusen’s captain, Jonathan Tah, is Bayern’s top target to improve their defensive options for next summer.

The Bavarian club had the first bid rejected for Tah as Bayer Leverkusen are playing hardball in negotiations. However, there has been positive development after the recent round of talks between both clubs. According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen are moving closer to an agreement. The Bundesliga champions are now open to selling Tah this summer.

Bayern are planning to make a new offer between €20 to €25 million price range. It was previously reported that Bayer Leverkusen wanted €40 million for Tah. The German defender has one year left on his contract. He has reportedly told Leverkusen that a contract extension is out of the question. The contract situation and the player’s desire to join Bayern will likely lead to a compromise in the transfer fee.

Jonathan Tah has already agreed personal terms with the Bavarian club. The 28-year-old defender is currently with the German squad for the Euros. Even if both clubs agree a fee now, a transfer is likely to be completed after the tournament.

Tah played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic domestic double-winning campaign. He was their leader at the back and helped the team to become one of the best teams in Europe. The German international will bring leadership and quality to Bayern’s defense, which was missing in several games last season.

Bayern have already strengthened the defense by signing Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart. Tah will become the second and final center-back signing for Die Roten this summer. Another signing in defense will depend on what happens with Alphonso Davies later in the transfer window.

The record Bundesliga champions are ready to part ways with Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano to fund the arrivals of Tah and Ito. De Ligt is attracting concrete interest from Manchester United, while Upamecano is also open to leaving Munich. Vincent Kompany will hope he will have the defensive options settled by the start of the pre-season tour.