Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes does not rule out the possibility that Jonathan Tah will remain active with the German champions this season and leave on a free transfer next summer. The German international has been linked to Bayern Munich for some time.
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With Matthijs de Ligt's departure from Bayern Munich, many assumed that Jonathan Tah would be the prime candidate to fill the void left in the Bavarian defense.
However, the situation remains uncertain, as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have yet to reach an agreement over the transfer of the central defender. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that the transfer window is still open, leaving room for unexpected developments.
In an interview with Sport1, Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, addressed the ongoing rumors and speculation regarding Tah's potential move to Bayern Munich. Rolfes emphasized that, as of now, there have been no concrete developments or signs that a transfer is imminent. "There are no developments or concrete indications that the situation with Tah is going to change," Rolfes stated, signaling that any move for the defender is far from a done deal.
Despite the persistent speculation, Rolfes remains optimistic about Tah's future with Leverkusen, at least for the current season. "I am optimistic, or rather, there are no signs that Jonathan will not be playing with us this season," he said. However, Rolfes also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, particularly as the deadline approaches. "We will have to see how the transfer period ends. Jonathan remains a very important player for us," he added, highlighting Tah's significance to the team.
Tah's involvement in the recent German Super Cup match against VfB Stuttgart, where he came on as a substitute, further suggests that Leverkusen sees him as a key player for the upcoming season. This appearance indicates that the club is planning to retain his services, at least in the short term.
Nevertheless, the transfer window is still open, and the situation could evolve rapidly. Rolfes noted that speculation surrounding Tah's future has been rampant in recent weeks and is likely to continue until the transfer window closes. "There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks, and that will likely continue for more than a week. I expect Jonathan to stay with us," Rolfes said, expressing his hope that the player will remain at Leverkusen.
Jonathan Tah has been a mainstay at Bayer Leverkusen since 2015, when the club signed him from Hamburg SV (HSV). Over the years, he has developed into one of the most reliable central defenders in the Bundesliga, making him a valuable asset for Leverkusen. His current contract with the club is set to expire next summer, adding another layer of complexity to his situation. If Tah does not move this summer, he could potentially leave on a free transfer next year, which would undoubtedly be a significant loss for Leverkusen.
The outcome of this transfer saga remains uncertain, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming days. For now, both Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are keeping their cards close to their chests, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate on what will happen next.
Updated: 12:18, 21 Aug 2024
