Bayern Munich told to pay up for Jonathan Tah as Bayer Leverkusen demand transfer fee despite defender's expiring contract

Bayern are trying to sign Leverkusen defender Tah immediately, but cannot complete his signing before his contract expires at the end of June. With the Club World Cup on the horizon and defensive injuries piling up, the Bundesliga winners want Tah to join in time for the tournament in the USA. However, Sport Bild reports Leverkusen are not willing to let him leave for free just yet and are demanding a transfer fee to release him early.

Bayern's backline is in trouble as Erik Dier is off to Monaco and will not be staying past June 30, while Dayot Upamecano is still recovering from a knee procedure. Kim Min-jae has been dealing with a chronic Achilles issue, and Hiroki Ito is out long-term with a broken metatarsal. Bayern need reinforcements urgently, and have already reached a personal agreement with Tah.

Knowing Bayern could earn up to €125 million from the tournament, Leverkusen are demanding at least €1m for Tah’s early release despite his contract expiring in July. Club officials Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes are standing firm in talks, refusing to let him go without compensation.

Bayern are expected to push for a quick agreement with Leverkusen this week to ensure Tah is available before they jet off to the United States. If the deal is completed, the German international will undergo a medical and sign a contract until 2029.