Manchester United have been handed a golden opportunity to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah on a free transfer this summer, after the German international confirmed his departure from the Bundesliga side.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Tah’s contract with Leverkusen expires at the end of the current season, making him a highly sought-after target for several top clubs. The 29-year-old played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s title-winning 2023/24 campaign and remains a key player in Xabi Alonso’s squad. However, he has confirmed that he will be leaving the club this summer.
In a post-match interview following Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw with St Pauli, Tah stated, “Everything was said from the beginning. There was a point when I made the decision not to extend my contract and not to stay here. That’s still the case.” This confirmation has sparked a heated transfer battle, with several top clubs vying for Tah’s signature.
TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United are keen to sign a new centre-back this summer, with Victor Lindelof set to leave when his contract expires. The Red Devils remain admirers of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but his price tag of over £70m makes him extremely difficult to acquire. With this in mind, bringing in a centre-back of Tah’s quality and experience could be a transfer masterstroke in a financial sense from the Red Devils.
As TEAMtalk contributor Ben Jacobs reported on April 18th, Manchester United could sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and Wolves star Matheus Cunha this summer. The club’s top priority is attacking reinforcements, but signing Tah could provide a much-needed boost to their defence. However, there will be competition for Tah’s signature, with reports suggesting that Barcelona have earmarked him as a potential signing and have already made contact with his entourage.
Tottenham have also been previously linked with Tah and could reignite their interest now that his pending departure from Leverkusen is confirmed. TEAMtalk reports that there will be more than those three clubs in the hunt for Tah once the season ends, and the race for his signature is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks.
Manchester United’s interest in Tah is not new, with the Red Devils being heavily linked with him in recent months. Liverpool were also thought to be keen on Tah as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk, but now the Reds’ captain has signed a new contract, they are likely to cool their interest. With Tah’s quality and experience, he would be a valuable addition to any team, and Manchester United would be wise to secure his services before their rivals do.
In related news, Manchester United have triggered a transfer clause with a payment now guaranteed, and Barcelona are reportedly ‘determined’ to sign a ‘standout’ Manchester United star for £34m. Euro giants are also expected to sign a Manchester United ace ‘whatever the cost’.
The transfer window is set to be a busy one for Manchester United, with several key signings expected to be made. Will the Red Devils be able to secure Tah’s services, or will one of their rivals pip them to the signing? Only time will tell.
For more information on Manchester United’s transfer plans, fans can take a look at the latest news and updates from the club.
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