Real Madrid turned down a chance to sign Barcelona target for free – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have decided to reinforce the centre-back position with a new signing in the summer transfer window, having struggled at the back for most of this season.

William Saliba appears to be the most preferred option for the Merengues, although his signing this summer looks highly unlikely.

Dean Huijsen is also on the agenda but the feeling is that he might leave Bournemouth to sign for another Premier League club.

Real Madrid offered Jonathan Tah, but rejected

Amidst this, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that Real Madrid were offered a chance to sign Bayer Leverkusen Jonathan Tah but the club turned it down.

The 29-year-old German international is set to become a free agent in the summer with his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expiring on June 30.

Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, FC Barcelona, are keen on signing the centre-back and have laid the groundwork to secure his services on a free transfer come summer.

Jonathan Tah will be a free agent in the summer. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

However, it has now emerged that Tah’s services were offered to Real Madrid a few months ago, only for the Spanish capital giants to reject the option.

There appears to be a lack of consensus within Real Madrid with regard to the profile of the new central defender they wish to sign.

Some officials would prefer to rope in a young centre-back with high potential while there are others who would welcome someone established and experienced as long as the cost of the deal is not too high. And Tah would fit in the latter category.

However, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe decided against taking up the option of signing the 29-year-old for free.

It now remains to be seen who Real Madrid bring in, with a deal for Saliba seemingly unlikely.