Bundesliga manager breaks silence on €30 million-rated Barcelona target’s future

Over the past 24 hours or so, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding Barcelona and their alleged interest in Jonathan Tah.

As per reports, the Catalans are interested in signing the German international, whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2025.

It has even been suggested that initial contacts have already been made to explore the transfer, although Tah is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich.

Furthermore, reports earlier today claimed that Leverkusen would demand a fee of around €30 million for the centre-half who has shown no indication of wanting to sign a new contract.

Xabi Alonso rules out Tah’s exit

However, speaking to the media earlier today, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso seemed to rule out a departure for Jonathan Tah before the summer window closes.

“We are calm. Tah is a mature player and is totally focused. We are not contemplating any moves,” said the Bundesliga-winning manager, as quoted by SPORT.

As mentioned earlier, Tah’s contract with Leverkusen expires next year and he has not shown any inclination towards wanting to renew his deal.

As such, the Bundesliga champions run the risk of losing him for free in 2025. Despite that, though, Alonso’s statements suggest that Leverkusen do not plan on selling the 28-year-old.

Tah was left out on the bench by Alonso during Leverkusen’s DFB Super Cup match earlier this month, but he did start in their Bundesliga opener this past weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach.

While Barcelona have shown an interest in him, any move would have been subject to Eric Garcia leaving the club and the Catalans returning to the 1:1 rule before the transfer window closes – both of which look unlikely at this point.

Now, with Alonso himself seemingly closing the doors on Tah’s exit, a move appears to be all but ruled out.