Barcelona admit top defensive target is slipping away as Bayern turn up the pressure | OneFootball

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, it appears that Barcelona are coming to terms with the reality that the Bayer Leverkusen defender is increasingly likely to join Bayern Munich, who have already taken concrete steps to secure his signature.

The outlet mentions that Bayern Munich’s Supervisory Board has now officially approved the move for Tah, giving the green light to sporting director Max Eberl to finalise the transfer.

The deal is expected to be completed imminently, with Tah set to sign a contract until 2028. Crucially, the Bavarians will not pay a transfer fee as Tah’s current contract allows him to leave on a free, though the player will receive a signing bonus.

A blow for Barcelona

This development is a blow for Barcelona, who had identified Tah as a key defensive target for the summer.

Manager Hansi Flick, having previously coached Tah with the German national team, had reportedly pushed for his signing, valuing his composure, aerial strength, and tactical discipline, all attributes Barça need at the back.

Jonathan Tah is set to move to Bayern Munich. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)

However, despite Tah being open to listening to Barcelona’s offer, the club’s ongoing financial constraints and unresolved fair play limitations have left them unable to act swiftly.

Bayern, by contrast, have wasted no time in moving ahead with the deal, determined to rebuild a leaky defence after a disappointing campaign.

An opportunity lost

Tah’s farewell speech at Bayer Leverkusen further points to an imminent departure. The 29-year-old was officially given a send-off at the BayArena last Sunday during a 2-4 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

After nearly a decade of service and helping the club secure their first-ever Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso, his time at Leverkusen is coming to a respectful end.

Though Tah has yet to make a final decision, the signals are loud and clear that Bayern are closing in. The German defender knows Barcelona would require time to sort out their finances before making any formal move, time that Bayern are unwilling to give.