Real Madrid want to 'STEAL' Barcelona signing

Cameron Smith

• 21 Jan 2025 17:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid could reportedly “steal” the signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah from under the noses of arch-rivals Barcelona.

The Germany international is set to become a free agent in July and he has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over the past few months.

Ronald Araujo has been tipped to leave Camp Nou in 2025, and Hansi Flick’s side have identified Tah as a transfer priority amid their current financial woes.

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Tah, 28, is reportedly open to the idea of joining Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, while Manchester United are also keeping tabs on his situation as Ruben Amorim eyes defensive reinforcements following an underwhelming start to life at Old Trafford.

However, Spanish publication Fichajes have now revealed that Real Madrid could “steal” the signing of Tah from Barcelona in their bid to sign a new centre-back in 2025.

David Alaba has returned from a lengthy lay-off on the treatment table, but Eder Militao is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and Aurelicn Tchouameni has frequently been forced to play in an unnatural defensive position amid an injury crisis at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos failed to sign Leny Yoro last summer and after missing out on Vitor Reis to Manchester City, they have reportedly turned their attention to Tah.

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Jonathan Tah to leave Bayer Leverkusen?

Tah is unlikely to extend his Bayer Leverkusen contract and Barcelona have already held talks with his agent, Pini Zahavi, over a possible move to Camp Nou this summer.

The Germany international joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hamburg back in 2015 and he has racked up 380 appearances for the club across a 10-year spell. However, an exit is on the cards later this year.

In addition to Tah, Real Madrid are also hoping to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies on free transfers this summer.