Many football fans around the world – and especially those of other Bundesliga clubs – are worried Bayern Munich will try to repeat history by poaching the most talented players away from new champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Florian Wirtz is understandably at the top of theirs – and just about everyone else’s – wishlist, even though they already have a world-class No. 10 in Jamal Musiala.
But Bayern Munich are also circling back with serious interest in Jonathan Tah, and they are even reportedly willing to sell Dayot Upamecano in order to accommodate the signing of the Bayer Leverkusen center back.
However, Leverkusen won’t let Bayern Munich make that move so easily. Speaking to BILD, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director and former midfielder Simon Rolfes spoke candidly about Die Roten’s plan to sign Tah away from the BayArena:
“We want to keep Jona and extend him beyond 2025. We’ll talk about that after the end of the season, now the focus is on achieving maximum success. And Jona thinks the same way too.”
Tah was always one of the better center backs in the Bundesliga, but there was a general feeling that he had failed to take the next step as a more proactive center back.
This season, Tah has stepped up as a leader and been truly world-class for the undefeated Werkself, so it is no surprise that, at least per Rolfes, the 28-year-old wants to go all-in on helping Leverkusen run the table in the Champions League next season.
Leverkusen have so much potential. Tah wouldn’t be the only big name returning. Even if Jeremie Frimpong leaves and others follow, the architect of the operation, Xabi Alonso, already agreed to stay with Leverkusen, spurning Bayern Munich, too. He even said “no” to replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
It looks like Leverkusen will do whatever they can to extend Tah and keep him long-term, making it difficult or even impossible for Bayern Munich to sign him away.
Borussia Dortmund have learned their lesson and stood firm against Bayern signing their players. Bundesliga observers will be eager to see if Leverkusen do the same.
The managing editor of The Trivela Effect, Kevin has 15 years of experience in digital media. He has been an editor for NFL Spin Zone, Daily DDT for pro wrestling, Autzen Zoo covering the Oregon Ducks, Musket Fire covering the New England Patriots, The Real Champs covering Real Madrid, Old Juve covering Juventus, Rush The Kop covering Liverpool, and Release The Knappen covering Schalke. His work has been featured in ESPN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, and other outlets. You can contact him at the site’s official Twitter handle @TrivelaEffect or via the site’s official email thetrivelaeffect@gmail.com.