Real Madrid set sights on Barcelona free transfer target for 2025 | OneFootball

Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who has also been a long-time target for Barcelona.

According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, the Spanish giants are closely monitoring his situation as his contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until 2025, and as of now, there are no signs of a renewal in the works.

Interestingly, this situation is reminiscent of how Real Madrid secured the services of defenders David Alaba from Bayern Munich and Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea on free transfers.

Defensive struggles for Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s current defensive woes make their interest in Tah all the more urgent. The team has been struggling with injuries and a lack of depth at the back.

Jesus Vallejo does not appear to have a future at the club, while both Alaba and Eder Militao have had recurring fitness issues this season.

Jonathan Tah will be a free agent in 2025. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

As a result, the team’s defence has been shaky, evident in the fact that they have managed to keep only four clean sheets in 11 matches across all competitions so far.

Tah, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the top defenders in the Bundesliga. He played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign last season.

Tah is ready to leave Bayer

Despite being a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s defence, Tah has made it clear that he plans to leave the club when his contract expires in 2025. His decision appears final, and it is unlikely that he will renew his deal with the German side.

Barcelona have been pursuing Tah for quite some time, viewing him as a valuable addition to their backline.

However, with Real Madrid now entering the race for the defender, the situation could take a significant turn. If Real Madrid were to secure his signature, it would not only strengthen their defence but also deal a blow to Barcelona’s transfer plans.