Reports suggest that Liverpool may seek to outmaneuver other European clubs in acquiring Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah this summer, as the Reds aim to strengthen their squad following a commendable season in the Premier League.
A decisive 5-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of April marked their triumphant return to the top, securing their first league title in five years and breaking Manchester City’s reign. However, the club is not resting on its laurels; adding a seasoned player like Tah, who is currently in his prime, could be the next strategic move for the recruitment team.
The report by CaughtOffside states that Liverpool have joined the list of clubs who are ready to make a move for Tah after his excellent decade of service at Leverkusen.
Jonathan Tah’s Bundesliga statistics – Leverkusen squad rankingStatsOutputSquad rankAppearances313rdGoals3=5thAerials Won Per Game2.3=1stClearances Per Game4.51stInterceptions Per Game1.1=3rdMatch rating6.876thA number of European clubs are showing interest in Tah, who has been billed as ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ – and with just six months left on his deal, he looks set to become a free agent, so the Reds are ‘very keen’ on securing his services.Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan are among the clubs listed as holding an interest in the German international, with talks already taking place with the Camp Nou outfit – but no agreement has been reached yet, leaving Arne Slot on red alert alongside Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who has been touted to replace Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Tah won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen last season, their first-ever top-flight title, and his commanding performances have seen them clinch second place in the division this season.
Though at the age of 29, now could be his last chance for a huge move away from the club, and he would be able to slot in at ‘any top side’.
Liverpool don’t have an urgent need for him now that Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract, but depth is always useful, and Tah would provide that in abundance given Joe Gomez’s injury woes, Jarell Quansah’s mistake-laden performances in recent weeks and Joel Matip’s departure in the summer, which saw the Reds fail to sign a centre-back in his absence.
Tah’s consistency in terms of team selection would also be a plus for Slot if the Reds are to go far into competitions next season.