Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah Will Leave in the Summer, He Confirms

In a recent media interaction (reported via kicker) following Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw against St. Pauli, defender Jonathan Tah has once again stated his intention to leave the club at the conclusion of the current season.

Tah’s contract with Leverkusen is set to expire this summer, and earlier in the season, he made it clear he would not be seeking an extension. His commitment to leaving was reaffirmed in his latest remarks, where he expressed, “Everything was said from the start. There was a point in time when I made the decision not to extend my contract and not to stay here and it remains that way now.”

The big question now is where Tah will go next. Bayern Munich had previously shown interest last summer, making attempts to secure his transfer. However, those efforts did not succeed, leading to a rift between the two Bundesliga clubs. Reports also link Tah with a move to Barcelona, although no formal negotiations have been confirmed yet. Regardless of the potential suitors, it’s abundantly clear that Tah has no plans to remain at the BayArena when his contract lapses.

Recognizing the importance of his role, Leverkusen is actively scouting for possible replacements for the veteran defender. One prominent name reportedly on their radar is Malick Thiaw, a young and promising German defender currently playing for AC Milan. Thiaw’s recruitment could be particularly feasible if Milan’s performance in Serie A continues to falter, putting his place within the squad at risk, especially if they fail to secure qualification for European tournaments.

Historically, Tah has been a reliable asset for Leverkusen, demonstrating strong performances in prior seasons. However, he has faced challenges this year, mirroring the overall struggles experienced by the club. As Leverkusen grapples with its on-field issues, Tah’s anticipated departure adds another layer of urgency for the team to find a solid replacement. The forthcoming months will prove pivotal, not just for Tah and his career trajectory, but also for Bayer Leverkusen as they prepare to build a more resilient and competitive squad moving forward. This transitional phase could be instrumental in shaping the future identity of the club as they look to overcome recent hurdles and reestablish themselves as a formidable force in German football.