Bayern confident of beating Barcelona to free transfer move for Jonathan Tah as Bundesliga champions prepare for life after Eric Dier

Bayern Munich have taken a major step in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, as the club have reportedly approved all the financial aspects of the deal. Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany claims every significant decision-maker at the Bavarian club has approved the transfer, with them dentifying Tah as their first choice to replace Eric Dier.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano verified Bayern's official request as well, highlighting their will to acquire the Bundesliga title winner, whose contract is running out. Bayern are working hard to finish the signing before the summer market heats up.

Still, Bayern are not alone in their interest in the Germany international. Hansi Flick's Barcelona have also joined the race to sign him, intensifying the rivalry between the two European giants. However, it is also up to the player, who must decide whether to continue in Germany or take a fresh challenge in Spain. 

Tah's stock has never been higher. Coming off a historic Bundesliga-winning season with Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen last season, the 29-year-old has impressed with his composure in defence, aerial domination, and leadership at the back.

It is believed that the German giants are offering a very attractive long-term deal, making their proposal more financially appealing than Barcelona’s. As Tah's contract is going to end on July 1, 2025, Leverkusen are not in a position to stand in his way, especially with Xabi Alonso joining Real Madrid, so the decision is now up to Tah.

Still under Financial Fair Play restrictions, Barcelona hope to convince Tah through their sporting appeal and the challenge of playing for the Liga title, as well as the Champions League, where they came so close to reaching the 2024-25 final.

Florentin Plettenberg said, via Sky Germany: "FC Bayern have internally approved all financial details regarding Jonathan Tah. All of the club’s decision-makers want him as the top replacement for Eric Dier.

"Bayern are offering a very attractive long-term contract. All that’s missing now is Tah’s final approval, with a decision expected soon. The club remain very optimistic. Tah has been a transfer target again for several weeks, as exclusively revealed. He is Bayern’s number one defensive transfer target. However, Barcelona still hope to sign him despite their FFP issues."

Tah’s final decision is expected soon, now that the financial challenges have been resolved and Bayern are working hard to finalise the deal. If he agrees, the move could happen swiftly, providing Bayern with a defensive boost as they look to improve their squad under Vincent Kompany for the defence of their Bundesliga crown in 2025-26. Barcelona, though, remain keen and shouldn't be completely ruled out at this stage.