Barcelona, like many other clubs, is in full swing planning for next season and has made contact with several potential signings. But the Catalan giants operate with an extra handicap: They do not know how much money – or more precisely, how much space they have in the salary range – they can actually spend on new players.
This uncertainty creates challenges both for Barcelona’s management and for potential new players, which undoubtedly opens the door for other clubs. One such case is Jonathan Tah.
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Tah on his way out of Bayer Leverkusen – Barcelona in the driver’s seat
The German centre-back, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, has a contract until the end of the summer and has declined an extension. Initially, Bayern Munich was the biggest competitor for his signature, but the Bavarian club has publicly declared that they are no longer interested.
Barcelona has long been linked with Tah, and it is reported that he has already agreed personal terms with the club. Tah himself has stated that a transition is “a matter of time”. But the situation in Barcelona’s defense is still unclear.
Although Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez are safe for next season, the future of Ronald Araújo, Eric García and Andreas Christensen remains unquestioned.
- Araújo has been linked with Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
- Christensen has been considered by Premier League clubs.
- García’s contract situation is unclear.
If Araújo stays, there will be little room for Tah in the squad. And it is precisely this uncertainty that has now made Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur show interest.
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Liverpool and Tottenham in battle for Tah
Both English clubs are looking for defensive reinforcements:
- Liverpool need depth after Joël Matip’s departure and uncertainty over Virgil van Dijk’s future.
- Tottenham want an experienced stopper to strengthen under Ange Postecoglou.
Tah, 28, is a perfect fit for the Premier League with his physical strength, passing precision and experience from the Bundesliga and Champions League. As a free player, he is a very attractive option.
Tah’s first choice is likely to be Barcelona, but if the club doesn’t freeze out enough players or fix the salary cap, he may have to consider other options.
- Liverpool can offer Champions League football and a central role.
- Tottenham can guarantee regular playing time at a club on the rise.
Jonathan Tah is facing an important choice this summer. Barcelona are the favourites, but the uncertainty over the club’s finances and squad gives Liverpool and Tottenham hope of capturing him.
Will it be Catalonia, Merseyside or London? The transfer saga is in full swing.
