Richard Hughes Could Complete a Bargain Transfer for Liverpool in January as “Target” Makes Intentions Clear
Jonathan Tah was reportedly on Liverpool’s radar during the recent summer transfer window.
The Germany international has now confirmed that he will be departing Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires.
Tah, who has spent most of his career at Leverkusen, played a pivotal role in the team’s extraordinary 2023-24 season. Under coach Xabi Alonso, the club achieved their first-ever Bundesliga title without suffering a defeat.
They also secured the DFB-Pokal but fell short in the Europa League, losing to Atalanta in the final—their only defeat of the season.
Throughout the summer, Tah drew interest from multiple clubs, including Liverpool. However, Bayern Munich seemed to be the primary contender for his signature, as his contract entered its final year at Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the speculation, Tah chose to stay at Leverkusen, a club competing in this season’s Champions League. Alonso also remains at the helm despite interest from clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
However, Tah has stated that he is looking for a new challenge, sharing his future intentions during an interview with the German publication Süddeutsche Zeitung.
“I’m not gonna sign a new deal at Bayer Leverkusen. My decision is made. I will give my best until the end here and then we will see about my future club. But my decision is to go and try different experience”
Tah is expected to attract significant interest as he approaches free agency. A regular for the German national team, he featured in four matches during their journey to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
If the former Hamburger SV defender decides to seek opportunities abroad, he can negotiate a pre-contract starting in January. FIFA regulations allow players with contracts expiring on June 30 to begin discussions with foreign clubs at the start of the new year.
Liverpool have a history of capitalising on free transfers, as seen with the signing of Joel Matip from Schalke in the summer of 2016.
Matip went on to be a key player under Jurgen Klopp, helping the team secure seven major titles, including the 2019 Champions League and the 2020 Premier League.
Similarly, James Milner, who joined from Manchester City in 2015 on a free transfer, played a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence to the top of European football.
In other Liverpool news, “Guilty of Gross Errors” – National Media Unimpressed with Liverpool Player’s Performance
