New Delhi: Since the summer transfer window, Barcelona have been after the Bayer Leverkusen centre back, Jonathan Tah. There are a numerous reasons that have been taken into consideration by the Catalan club, as they look to sign the German defender. Tah, whose contract is slated to expire in 2025, has publicly said that he is ready for a fresh challenge. He is viewed by the team’s athletic administration as a long term choice who might contribute to the defensive line’s stability for many years to come.
Tah enjoyed a wonderful campaign with Xabi Alonso’s impressive Leverkusen side, playing a key role in their back line, which he has been doing for the past 10 seasons now. However, he has made his intentions pretty clear, that he will be looking to make his move in search of a new challenge, and Barcelona are clearly looking to make the most out of this opportunity. As the German’s contract is nearing towards an end, the Catalan club will be looking to sign him as a free agent, which would mean that they might avoid the the €30 Million price tag for the defender.
It might turn out to be a bold move for Hansi Flick and Barca, as the German defender still has a lot to offer, after a campaign full of success, where he played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s road to the title.
What can Jonathan Tah offer to Barcelona?
94.7 – Jonathan Tah completed 94.7% of his passes in the Bundesliga last season, a seasonal competition record since Opta have this data from 2004-05 (min. 1,000 passes). Precise. pic.twitter.com/TI5kEKDz8m
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) July 29, 2024
Jonathan Tah, who scored six goals last season, is a serious threat on both the attack and defense because to his commanding physical presence. Additionally, he is a desirable addition to Barcelona’s style of play due to his ball-playing prowess and experience gained from playing for Leverkusen for ten years. Besides, his ability to lead the defence, and the amount of experience he has would make him a commanding presence at the back for Hansi Flick’s side.
The towering defender stands six feet three inches, and he is a massive aerial threat, as he can be a problem during the set pieces as well as in his own half where he dominated the aerial duels. He has the physical attributes that make him a complete defender. His ball playing ability is another factor as last season, he managed to complete 94.7% of his passes in Bundesliga, which was the most by any defender in the German League. However, his one on one tackling looked less convincing, but his ability to make the recovery tackles make him a wonderful asset for Hansi Flick’s side.
Do Barcelona really need a new defender?
(🌕) JUST IN: Jonathan Tah is open to a potential Barcelona move. @ffpolo #Transfers 🇩🇪🔵🔴🚨 pic.twitter.com/GO4ruui94Q
— Reshad Rahman (@ReshadFCB) October 17, 2024
The urgency of Barcelona’s pursuit of Tah is further increased by their current defensive position. Pau Cubarsi is Barcelona’s lone defender now committed until 2027, though once he reaches legal age, his contract may be extended until 2029. Despite being essential members of the defense, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen’s contracts expire in 2026, and talks for an extension have not yet begun. Tah’s impending free-agent status makes him a potential bargain, but finding a good deal isn’t the only goal.
The need for reinforcements is clear given that Inigo Martinez’s contract expires in 2025 unless he fulfills specific game requirements and that Ronald Araujo, Christensen, and Eric Garcia’s contracts are uncertain. If Martinez plays 60 percent of the games this season, his contract might be extended, but Barcelona needs younger players like Tah to protect their future because Martinez will turn 34 in May.
