Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has firmly dismissed the possibility of Jonathan Tah leaving the Bundesliga champions during the ongoing summer transfer window, despite increasing speculation linking the German international with a move to Barcelona, Soccernet.football reports.
The Catalan giants have reportedly expressed interest in securing Tah’s services, with his current contract at Leverkusen set to expire in 2025.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona made initial contacts to explore a potential transfer, and Bayern Munich has also been mentioned as a possible suitor for the 28-year-old centre-back.
Additionally, it was reported that Leverkusen might demand a transfer fee of around €30 million for the defender, who has so far shown no inclination to renew his contract with the German side.
However, Xabi Alonso was quick to put these rumours to rest during a press conference earlier today.
“We are calm. Tah is a mature player and is totally focused. We are not contemplating any moves,” Alonso asserted, as quoted by SPORT.
Despite Tah’s contract expiring next year, which could result in Leverkusen losing him on a free transfer in 2025, Alonso’s remarks indicate that the club has no intention of selling the defender this summer.
Tah, who was benched during Leverkusen’s DFB Super Cup match earlier this month, returned to the starting lineup in their Bundesliga opener against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend.
While Barcelona’s interest in Tah was contingent on the potential departure of Eric Garcia and the club’s financial constraints, Alonso’s comments effectively close the door on any imminent transfer, making a move highly unlikely.