Barcelona have been pursuing the signing of Jonathan Tah for quite some time, hoping to bring the defender in on a free transfer once his contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires at the end of the current season. For months, the German international seemed poised to join the Catalan giants, with negotiations progressing steadily and optimism high on both sides.
However, recent developments have cast doubt over the potential move. Barcelona continue to face significant Financial Fair Play restrictions, which have complicated their ability to finalize transfers. Additionally, the club already boasts considerable depth in the defensive area, leading to questions about whether Tah’s arrival is an urgent necessity. As a result, the deal that once appeared close to completion has now stalled.
Compounding the uncertainty are reports that surfaced earlier this week, suggesting that Barcelona’s traditional rivals, Real Madrid, are monitoring the situation closely. Despite Barcelona reportedly having a verbal agreement with Tah, Madrid could attempt to capitalize on the delay and hijack the move. Los Blancos, always eager to reinforce their squad with quality additions, are said to be considering a swoop for the experienced centre-back.
And now, it’s not just Real Madrid in the mix. According to a report from Calciomercato, Inter Milan have entered the race for Jonathan Tah’s signature. The Italian champions are reportedly very interested in adding the German defender to their ranks as they look to strengthen their backline ahead of next season. Inter’s management has identified the need to refresh their defensive unit in order to maintain their high standards both domestically and in European competitions.
While veterans such as Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi could continue for another season, Inter’s leadership is aware that long-term planning is essential. They are therefore aggressively seeking new players who can seamlessly integrate into Simone Inzaghi’s system and help ensure that the team remains competitive at the highest level. Jonathan Tah, given his profile and availability on a free transfer, fits this strategy perfectly.
The 29-year-old German defender offers a combination of qualities that make him a highly attractive option. With extensive international experience, he brings composure and leadership to the backline. His defensive reliability, physical strength, and ability to perform consistently at a high level have made him a cornerstone of Bayer Leverkusen’s success over recent years. Moreover, in an inflated transfer market where clubs often have to spend heavily for proven defenders, signing Tah without a transfer fee represents an excellent opportunity.
Initially, it seemed almost inevitable that Tah would end up at Barcelona. But with talks cooling in recent weeks due to Barça’s financial and structural challenges, other clubs have sensed an opening. Inter, in particular, are prepared to make a serious push to secure the German international, aware that such a deal could significantly bolster their squad for relatively low financial risk.
Barcelona, for their part, now find themselves under increasing pressure. They are well aware that if they do not move quickly to wrap up the agreement with Tah, they risk losing him to a major European rival. The Catalans’ current financial situation not only hampers their ability to offer lucrative deals but also forces them to prioritize certain transfers over others.
In addition, with their defense already featuring the likes of Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, and Pau Cubarsí emerging as a promising talent, some at the club have questioned whether bringing in another centre-back should be a top priority this summer. This internal debate has further slowed the process.
Meanwhile, Inter are wasting no time. The Nerazzurri are keen to act decisively, recognizing that free transfers of this caliber rarely come along. After a strong season both domestically and in Europe, Inter want to maintain momentum and ensure their squad remains competitive. The club’s recent policy of blending experienced internationals with young talent has paid dividends, and Tah’s signing would align with that philosophy.
Real Madrid’s involvement only adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Known for their ability to quickly finalize deals once they identify a target, Madrid’s entry into the race could force Barcelona to either act swiftly or risk missing out entirely. Given the fierce rivalry between the two Spanish giants, losing a player to Madrid—especially one they had been pursuing for months—would be a bitter pill for Barcelona to swallow.
All of this makes the coming weeks critical. As Tah approaches the final months of his contract with Bayer Leverkusen, the competition for his signature is heating up. Barcelona still have the advantage of having engaged him early and building a good rapport. However, with Inter Milan and Real Madrid now serious contenders, the Catalans can ill afford further delays if they truly want to secure his services.
For Tah, the situation is also intriguing. He is in a strong negotiating position, with multiple top clubs vying for his commitment. It allows him to weigh not just financial terms, but also the sporting project each team offers—considering factors such as guaranteed playing time, the chance to compete for major titles, and personal preferences regarding lifestyle and league.
Ultimately, while Barcelona remain in the picture, their grip on Jonathan Tah is loosening. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether he will indeed don the Blaugrana shirt next season or whether another European powerhouse, like Inter Milan or Real Madrid, will successfully lure him away.
