Bayer Leverkusen ‘Invincibles’ star alerts clubs as he announces ‘he will NOT sign a new contract and leave the Bundesliga side at the end of the season’
Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah has put a host of Europe’s top clubs on alert after confirming this would be his final season at the club.
The 28-year-old has long been linked with a move away from the reigning Bundesliga champions in the summer transfer window, with German giants Bayern Munich showing strong interest.
However, a move did not materialise as Tah ultimately remained at the club.
Yet it now seems only a matter of time before he actually leaves. Tah explains why he now wants to look for pasture.
In an interview with the German news agency Suddeutsche Zeitung, The defender pointed to Leverkusen’s thrilling unbeaten season as a key reason why he felt it was the right time to leave.
Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah stated that this would be his last season with the German club
Tah was a key defender under Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso in their ‘Invincibles’ season
“I have been at Leverkusen for nine years, experienced all the ups and downs here and the highlight was the fantastic last season when we won almost everything,” said Tah.
‘It couldn’t have been better. And that’s why I thought: if I extend my contract in Leverkusen now, at 28, it means I’ll be playing here until my early to mid-thirties.
‘A football career is short and that’s why it’s always been my idea to get the most out of it. I just want to use the potential that lies in my career.
“And last summer I felt it was time to look at something new. After this extremely successful season I did what a player should do: I communicated my wishes clearly and openly.”
Tah also revealed that it wasn’t just Bayern who had made an offer for his services.
He later doubled his plans for the following season.
“No, my decision is still as clear as before,” Tah said.
“I am not extending my contract – for the career reasons I mentioned earlier. I still have a contract until 2025 and until then I will give everything for Leverkusen.”
Tah captained Leverkusen in the Europa League, helping them reach the final
The 28-year-old started at centre-back for Germany in four of their five matches at Euro 2024
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany tried to sign Tah in the summer and could try again
And when asked if a move to Bayern was in the cards, Tah replied: ‘Good question. We’ll see. I’m not really thinking about that yet, I still have a season at Bayer Leverkusen ahead of me.’
Tah moved to Leverkusen in July 2015 and has since made 350 appearances for the club.
He played a key role in Leverkusen’s stunning Bundesliga triumph last season, making 31 Bundesliga appearances as the club went unbeaten under Xabi Alonso.
Tah also played a key role in Leverkusen’s run to the DFB-Pokal final in the 23-24 season, where they defeated Kaiserslautern 1-0 in the final.
The 28-year-old started four of Germany’s five matches at Euro 2024 but missed the round of 16 against Denmark due to a yellow card suspension.