Could Bayern Munich lose out to FC Barcelona in race for key target? | OneFootball

Long-term Bayern Munich target Jonathan Tah could be about to join FC Barcelona on a free transfer next summer if the latest reports from Spain are to be believed.

It is not a secret that Bayern Munich wanted to sign Jonathan Tah last summer and already had an agreement in place with the defender. But the Bayern bosses were unable to reach an agreement Bayer Leverkusen on a transfer fee, and the proposed transfer fell through.

Barcelona to beat Bayern in race for defensive target?

Tah is still keen to leave the reigning Bundesliga champions when his contract expires at the end of the season, and Bayern retain an interest in signing him on a free transfer. However, it appears that another club has taken the lead in the race for his signature.

According to Jijantes FC in Spain, Barcelona sporting director Deco traveled to Leverkusen on Thursday to hold talks with Tah and his agent Pini Zahavi with a view towards a move for the Germany international on a free transfer next summer. The talks were said to be positive, and the report adds that the transfer is "practically done" with the two parties said to be very happy and closing in on an agreement.

It remains to be seen just how much truth there is to this rumor. But Bayern Munich will certainly hope that Tah has not yet made a final decision on his future. Max Eberl is leading the Bavarians' bid to sign the center-back, who played a vital role in Bayer Leverkusen's run to the Bundesliga title last season.

If Bayern Munich do miss out on the signature of Jonathan Tah, they will likely move on to other targets. But the arrival of a new center-back is likely at the club next summer, with Eric Dier expected to leave at the end of the season.