Bayern Munich Challenge Real Madrid for Jonathan Tah, Xabi Alonso’s Defensive Anchor

The summer transfer window promises to ignite a fierce tug-of-war between two of Europe’s footballing giants, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, over the services of Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive cornerstone Jonathan Tah.

As Xabi Alonso prepares to step into Carlo Ancelotti’s shoes at the Santiago Bernabeu, his eyes remain firmly fixed on the 29-year-old centre-back who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s unprecedented domestic double. But with Bayern Munich pushing aggressively for Tah’s signature, the race to land the soon-to-be free agent has entered a compelling phase.

Xabi Alonso Eyes Trusted Lieutenant for Madrid Makeover

Earlier today, Xabi Alonso confirmed that he will depart Bayer Leverkusen at season’s end. Expected to take the helm at Real Madrid, Alonso is set to implement a new vision rooted in tactical cohesion and positional discipline. Among his potential reinforcements, Jonathan Tah emerges as a prime candidate. With his contract expiring on June 30, the German international presents a rare opportunity: elite talent at zero cost. Alonso’s admiration for the defender stems from their mutual success at Leverkusen, where Tah played a central role in a historic title run.

Bayern Munich Enter with Urgency and Intent

However, Alonso’s plans may be disrupted. Bayern Munich, fresh off a triumphant Bundesliga campaign, are already negotiating with Tah and his representatives, as reported by Florian Plettenberg. The club’s top brass—Vincent Kompany, Max Eberl, and Christoph Freund—have unanimously identified Tah as a summer priority. The Bavarians, no strangers to capitalizing on domestic opportunities, are leveraging Barcelona’s financial constraints to stake their claim.

Barcelona, despite reportedly reaching an agreement in principle with Tah, have stumbled due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. That misstep has opened the door for Bayern to accelerate discussions, intensifying pressure on Real Madrid to act.

From Hamburg to Leverkusen: Tah’s Tumultuous Rise

Tah’s journey to stardom wasn’t linear. Born and raised in Hamburg, the centre-back debuted for the city’s senior team at 17, calling the experience unforgettable. “I was in Hamburg, playing in front of my friends, my family—my city. My story couldn’t have been written any better. Football felt like a dream,” he told The Players’ Tribune. But reality soon hit.

Loaned to Fortuna Düsseldorf, Tah was eventually transferred to Leverkusen. The move brought opportunity, but also skepticism. “I had to prove that I was worth it,” Tah recalled, reflecting on the fan scrutiny that followed his big-money transfer.

Overcoming Setbacks with Steadfast Determination

Tah’s early years at Leverkusen were a blend of highs and hardship. Though he broke into the Germany squad in 2016, inconsistencies and injuries derailed his momentum. Between 2016 and 2018, he featured sparingly for the national team, even missing the 2018 World Cup entirely.

Club form also fluctuated. In the 2019/20 campaign, Tah found himself behind Sven Bender and Edmond Tapsoba in the pecking order. Yet, both he and sporting director Simon Rolfes remained optimistic. “I believe it’s a positive situation,” said Tah. “The coach can rely on our four centre-backs. That is ideal if you have high goals like we do.”

Alonso’s Arrival: A Turning Point

The 2022/23 season marked a turning point for Hamburg academy graduate Jonathan Tah, especially in its latter stages. Under Gerardo Seoane, Tah reclaimed a regular spot in the starting XI, playing the full 90 minutes in each of the first eight matches. Despite his solid individual form, the team struggled—managing just one win in those games—leading to Seoane’s dismissal. Xabi Alonso then took charge, initially overseeing five losses in his first 13 matches, compared to Seoane’s five in eight.

Alonso eventually guided Leverkusen from a perilous 15th place to a commendable sixth-place finish, laying the groundwork for a historic 2023/24 campaign.

That season, Leverkusen clinched their maiden Bundesliga title—going unbeaten throughout the league under Alonso. They finished a staggering 17 points clear of second-placed Stuttgart, allowing only 24 goals in 34 matches. Their domestic dominance extended to the DFB Cup as well, lifting the trophy for just the second time in the club’s history—and the first since 1993.

Although they fell short in the Europa League final against Atalanta, reaching their first European final since 2002 was a major accomplishment in itself.

At the core of this extraordinary season stood Jonathan Tah.

He featured in 30 Bundesliga games, netting four goals and earning a starting role in Germany’s European Championship squad—helping the national team achieve its best tournament finish since 2016. The following 2024/25 campaign saw Leverkusen go without silverware, but they remained formidable, suffering only two defeats across the league season.

Starting the season by lifting the German Supercup against Stuttgart, Tah ends it having made his 400th appearance for Die Werkself, solidifying his status as one of the club’s most influential leaders.

Madrid’s Defensive Plans Remain Unclear

Currently, Real Madrid are prioritising Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth. Whether Alonso pushes the board to pivot toward Tah remains unknown. What is certain, however, is that the Spaniard deeply values the German defender’s qualities and championship pedigree.

Tah’s familiarity with Alonso’s tactical framework could fast-track any transition, and his leadership could prove vital for a young Madrid backline transitioning into a new era.

Read More: Xabi Alonso to Leave Bayer Leverkusen Following the End of the 2024-25 Season, Eyes Real Madrid Job

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