Barcelona reassure Bundesliga star about their plans to sign him amid growing interest | OneFootball

Jonathan Tah has emerged as a target for several top clubs heading into the summer transfer window as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires at the end of the season.

The German international, though, appears to have his heart set on a move to Barcelona, with the Catalans also keen to incorporate his signing on a free transfer.

However, recent developments with the club’s Financial Fair Play situation have cast doubts about a potential move.

Barcelona assure Tah of their intentions

However, now, SPORT reports that Barcelona have reassured Tah of their firm intention to sign him this summer, reinforcing their long-standing interest in the centre-back, backed by manager Hansi Flick.

Despite La Liga’s recent communication about salary cap restrictions, the club has made it clear to Tah, through his agent Pini Zahavi, that they will be able to register new players from July onwards and that he would have a place in the squad with guaranteed playing time.

Tah is a player highly regarded by Flick, and Barcelona see him as a valuable market opportunity.

Jonathan Tah is a top target for Barcelona. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Flick believes Tah brings strength in aerial duels and, more importantly, a sharp tactical understanding of match situations – particularly in organising the defensive line and managing offside traps.

At least one exit guaranteed?

Flick views Tah as a solid upgrade for the backline, though the signing would inevitably lead to at least one departure from the current squad.

At present, Barcelona have five central defenders – Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen.

Cubarsi, Martinez, and Araujo have all recently signed contract renewals, and Garcia is in line to do the same. As such, Christensen, who has spent most of the season injured, is a likely candidate to leave.

Despite receiving more lucrative offers from Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, Tah has always prioritised a move to Barcelona. However, he is waiting for full assurances before committing.

The Catalans have now reaffirmed their intention to sign him, although some outgoing transfers will be necessary to finalise the deal.