Frank Christian
Barcelona is reportedly aiming to strengthen its defense in 2025 as coach Hansi Flick aims to bring in experienced players for the back line.
Although major signings are not expected during the January transfer window, Flick is already planning for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
While Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde are perceived as reliable long-term options, uncertainties surrounding Inigo Martinez and transfer rumors involving Ronald Araujo have prompted Flick to seek a central defender.
This search has highlighted a potential opening in Barcelona’s squad, with Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen emerging as a strong candidate.
Tah has become a fan favorite at Leverkusen, marking the 2024/25 season as his tenth year at the club, accumulating around 370 appearances.
Despite his significant contribution to Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win in the 2023/24 season, the German international is contemplating his future as his contract nears expiration at the end of the current season.
Tah’s decision may also be influenced by uncertainty regarding Xabi Alonso’s position, and according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the 28-year-old does not intend to sign a contract extension.
Jonathan #Tah will not extend his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
FC Bayern and FC Barcelona are two concrete options for a free transfer in summer, and it is currently highly likely that he will choose one of these clubs.
The 28y/o centre-back also remains on the… pic.twitter.com/ahGGJEIsSX
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 16, 2024
Starting in 2025, Tah can begin discussions about a free transfer, although any agreement cannot be finalized until June.
Plettenberg’s report suggests that Barcelona and Bayern Munich are Tah’s top choices, and Flick hopes to surpass his former team in securing the defender’s services for a change beyond the Bundesliga.
