Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona this summer after he turned down the opportunity to join Bayern Munich.
The Germany international has racked up 386 competitive appearances since he joined Leverkusen from Hamburg in the summer of 2015.
Tah was a regular fixture in the Leverkusen side during their memorable 2023-24 campaign, featuring in 48 matches in all competitions as Xabi Alonso's side went on to complete a league and cup double as well as reaching the Europa League final.
The 29-year-old has continued to enjoy regular game time in the current campaign despite the fact that he is set to leave the club at the end of the club.
Tah has entered the final six months of his contract at the BayArena, meaning that he will become a free agent when his deal expires at the end of the season.
Tah turns down Bayern for Barcelona switch
Barcelona have been touted as the favourites to secure his signature, although a report last month suggested they were yet to reach an agreement with the Leverkusen centre-back.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Tah will become Barcelona's first signing of the summer transfer window when his contract runs out on June 30.
The report claims that barring any unexpected events, the German defender will link up with Hansi Flick's side after turning down the chance to join Bayern.
Tah received an enticing offer from the Bundesliga leaders, but he still remains keen to join Barcelona despite their offer being lower than the one that Bayern have put on the table.
The Leverkusen star was a childhood fan of the Catalan club, and that emotional connection has seemingly played a part in his decision.
Will Tah's signing lead to defensive departure?
Barcelona held an initial meeting with Tah's representatives when they visited Germany for December's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
The player's camp are expected to hold further talks to hold further talks with Barcelona in the coming weeks, with the defender eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement after entering the final six months of his deal.
Tah could sign a five-year deal, although nothing formal has been finalised between the two parties.
However, with Tah expected to sign ahead of next season, Barcelona will have to offload at least one defender in the summer transfer window.
Andreas Christensen is the obvious candidate to depart, having been restricted to just one appearance this season due to injury issues.
The Denmark international is not regarded as a starter at Barcelona, and he could be available for a cut-price fee due to the fact that his contract expires in the summer of 2026. body check tags ::
