Manchester United are planning a surprise move for Bayern Munich target Jonathan Tah, Soccernet.football understands.
The Red Devils’ search for defensive reinforcements has not gone smoothly, with none of their three targets close to joining.
Reports had suggested that Manchester United were nearing a deal with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutch defender agreeing personal terms.
Bayern were open to selling the former Ajax player, especially after Vincent Kompany signed Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart. Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen was Bayern’s next target.
However, Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that United have not yet made an official offer for Tah, who was once coached by Erik ten Hag.
Instead, Manchester United have inquired about the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, aware that Bayern have not yet reached an agreement with Leverkusen.
“Been told that Manchester United have inquired about Jonathan Tah in the last few days! Man Utd aware of the fact, that there’s no agreement between Bayern and Leverkusen.
“And there’s still no final agreement between Man Utd & Bayern about a transfer of Matthijs de Ligt yet. As the final offer from MUFC is still missing,” Plettenberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Tah, 28, started all but one game for Germany during the European Championships and has been on United’s radar since last season.
In a remarkable campaign for Leverkusen, Tah made 48 appearances, scored six times, and provided one assist. He helped keep 21 clean sheets in all competitions.
Tah’s current market value is €30 million, and with his contract ending in 2025, he could be available for less than what Bayern would demand for De Ligt.
It remains unclear if United have moved on from their pursuit of De Ligt. However, with Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala’s departure and Victor Lindelof’s potential exit, United need more than one new centre-back.
Tah may not be as young as De Ligt, but his recent form has been impressive. Bayern will be concerned now that United have entered the race for Tah.