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Borussia Dortmund v FC Bayern München - Franz Beckenbauer SupercupGetty Images

Barcelona reignite Jonathan Tah pursuit as Catalans seek experienced partner for Pau Cubarsi

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Catalans make fresh German enquiry 

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Barcelona sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have checked on the 30-year-old Germany international's current situation in Bavaria. Both key decision-makers still hold the towering centre-back in high regard as they look to bolster their defensive options for the second half of the campaign. Consequently, the Blaugrana reached out to gauge whether a winter deal could be struck.

Previous interest preceded Bavarian switch 

Tah is a familiar name to Camp Nou officials, who previously explored signing him back in 2025 when his contract at Bayer Leverkusen was running down. Although the Catalan giants seriously considered a move at the time, they ultimately decided against proceeding with a deal, allowing him to join domestic rivals Bayern instead.

Since arriving at the Allianz Arena, the experienced stopper has established himself as an undisputed starter for the Bundesliga champions. Across 67 appearances in all competitions for the German heavyweights, he has contributed three goals and three assists while cementing his place in the starting line-up.

Winter departure ruled out completely 

Despite Barcelona's renewed admiration, the German reporter notes that a mid-season transfer is not considered feasible under the current circumstances. Tah is thoroughly settled in Munich and remains tied down to a long-term contract running until the summer of 2029, while his employers have zero intention of sanctioning a January exit.

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As a result, the Spanish champions are not expected to take their interest any further than their initial enquiry. Furthermore, earlier reports indicate that Flick and his recruitment team would ideally prefer to recruit a natural left-footed central defender to balance their defensive unit.

Alternative targets top January shortlist 

With a move for Tah effectively off the table for the winter market, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez - whose Old Trafford deal expires in 2027 - now stands out as Barcelona's most realistic option. The Catalan club have also been tentatively linked with moves for Real Betis stopper Natan and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie. Deco and Flick must now decide which alternative target to pursue when the transfer window opens in January.

News editor

Adhe has previously worked for ESPN Star Sports, Fox Sports, and FIFA.

Manchester United was Adhe's first love, and he has since been covering the Premier League and European football for GOAL.

Adhe's favorite football memory is covering the Indonesia vs. Netherlands match at GBK in 2013, and randomly meeting Radja Nainggolan in the stands of Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, when the former Inter player was playing for Bhayangkara FC.

Adhe's areas of expertise after over a decade and thousands of football matches:

  • Deep knowledge of both Indonesian and European football
  • Premier League analysis
  • Covering a wide range of editorial topics

Adhe's All-Time XI (4-1-2-3) Edwin van der Sar; Dani Alves, Paolo Maldini, Nemanja Vidic, Roberto Carlos; Roy Keane; Xavi, Paul Scholes; Lionel Messi, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo.

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