Real Madrid reject Barcelona target Jonathan Tah amid summer defender search

Real Madrid Snub German International Amid Centre-Back Hunt

Real Madrid have reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, despite their ongoing efforts to reinforce their back line this summer. The 29-year-old, who has played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign, will leave the club on a free transfer after opting not to renew his contract.

“I didn’t want to leave Leverkusen because I don’t feel comfortable there. Quite the opposite,” Tah told reporters in September 2024. “But I’ve always wanted to take every opportunity possible in my career, and after last season’s success, I felt it was time for something new.”
 

Madrid Set Sights on Younger Alternatives

Although Real Madrid are indeed in the market for a central defender—a need intensified by Eder Militao’s recurring ACL injury and David Alaba’s continued absence—the club has declined to pursue Tah, according to The Athletic. The Champions League holders are instead prioritizing Arsenal’s William Saliba and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, though both deals present challenges.

Saliba, while a top target, is unlikely to be available this summer, and Huijsen, a highly rated Spanish defender, has a £50 million release clause. His situation is complicated by interest from multiple Premier League clubs, making negotiations more competitive.

Madrid view Huijsen as a long-term solution but haven’t ruled out signing a more experienced defender for immediate impact—provided the price is right. The club remains unwilling to overpay for short-term fixes, even amid defensive injury concerns.

Barcelona’s Move for Tah Hits Financial Wall

While Madrid have passed on Tah, Barcelona have maintained interest in the 35-cap Germany international, who was previously linked with Bayern Munich as well. However, financial limitations are stalling negotiations with the player’s agent Pini Zahavi.

According to SPORT, Barça recently informed Zahavi they currently cannot offer Tah a contract due to La Liga’s strict financial regulations. Following the league’s rejection of a VIP seating revenue deal, the club now falls short of salary cap compliance and must either raise new funds or offload players before signing new talent.

Tah is said to be "extremely excited" about the possibility of joining Barcelona, but remains cautious after watching fellow German Dani Olmo struggle with contractual limbo earlier this year.

English Clubs Monitoring Tah’s Situation

Despite rejections from Spain’s two biggest clubs, interest in Tah remains strong in the Premier League, with Liverpool and Tottenham both linked to the soon-to-be free agent.

The Germany international is admired for his leadership, physical presence, and consistency, having been a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s back line through one of the club’s most successful periods. His free-agent status makes him an appealing target for clubs seeking low-cost defensive reinforcement this summer.

With Real Madrid turning their focus to long-term prospects and Barcelona hamstrung by financial restrictions, Jonathan Tah's next move remains wide open. The Bundesliga champion may yet find his next chapter in England—unless either of Spain’s giants can clear the path to reignite negotiations.

Stay with The Horizons Times for updates on the European summer transfer window, La Liga developments, and Bundesliga stars on the move.