MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 28: Robert Andrich of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates with teammate Jonathan Tah after scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Allianz Arena on September 28, 2024 in Munich, Germany.

Pini Zahavi discusses future plans for 28-year-old Barcelona target

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

FC Barcelona were not very active in the transfer market back in the summer. They made one marquee signing – Dani Olmo. Along with that, they also signed Pau Victor, who was on loan from Girona at the club last season.

Dani Olmo has established himself as a star for Hansi Flick’s team whenever fit, despite having played just a few games through injury. The 26-year-old, when fully fit, makes everyone around him look so much better and is a natural goalscorer.

While one would have to say that the transfer window was largely a success, there were targets that Barcelona weren’t able to sign. For example, the Catalan club had submitted a €20m bid to Bayer Leverkusen for Jonathan Tah but a transfer did not materialize.

Xabi Alonso has continued to trust the German defender despite him not signing a new contract. Bayern Munich and Barcelona were both interested in him in the summer. With him set to be a free agent next summer, the clubs could return to try and sign him.

Tah’s agent, Pini Zahavi, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, has discussed the future of his client and confirmed that a contract renewal is not an option. He said:

“We tried to get Tah to switch clubs last summer, but Leverkusen asked for too much money. The idea was to take him to Bayern, as the club wanted to sign him. We would have liked it to be a good deal for Leverkusen.”

“But now, they will receive nothing. I think it was a mistake by Bayer Leverkusen. Now the situation is very simple: Jonathan will sign for a big club next summer. And Bayern still has many chances of signing him.”

It is interesting to note here that the agent did not make any mention of Barcelona with regard to his client’s future. This could effectively mean that the Catalan club is no longer in the running to secure the German’s signature.

The center-back position is well sorted at Barcelona when everyone is fit. Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been the indisputable pair so far this season but the likes of Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia are set to return soon from their injuries.

Barcelona have shown a keen acumen in signing free agents in the recent past. It won’t be a surprise if they return for his signature in the coming months, especially with Flick at the helm, and let’s wait and see how it plays out.

Tags Jonathan Tah