It’s no secret that FC Bayern Munich aims to bolster its defence during the upcoming transfer window. In this pursuit, the Bundesliga champions have reportedly shown interest in Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah. However, Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, rules out a transfer of their defensive leader.Jonathan Tah’s recent performances in the German national team jersey have showcased his ability as a central defender and a right-back in a four-man defence when needed. Consequently, the 27-year-old Bayer 04 Leverkusen player is a plausible candidate for Bayern. The Bavarians are reportedly seeking defensive reinforcements during the winter transfer window, requiring a genuine defensive midfielder and a player capable of operating in both central and wide defensive positions in Thomas Tuchel’s four-man backline.According to Bild, the Munich side is exploring the possibility of a January move for Tah. The defender fits the mould that appeals to Tuchel. Is Bayern, following its traditional pattern, attempting to secure Tah from a direct rival to strengthen their squad while weakening the league leaders from Leverkusen?##NAJAVA_MECA_7762774##At least in Jonathan Tah’s case, any attempt in this transfer window seems futile. Leverkusen’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, firmly closes the door on such a transfer. In a brief statement to Kicker, the 42-year-old former Germany international said he wants to keep Xabi Alonso’s squad intact.”Everyone stays. We won’t let any player go in January.” Tah’s exit clause, valued at around $20 million euros, is only applicable at the end of the season. The prospect of Bayern Munich presenting Leverkusen with such an unrealistic offer for Tah that they cannot refuse is improbable.Moreover, the Bundesliga leaders’ perspective deems it sporting suicide to let their in-form defensive leader leave, especially if they aim to contend for three titles. Firstly, Tah is an absolute key player. Secondly, as of January, Bayer might have to do without two other key players in the three-man defence due to the upcoming AFCON: Edmond Tapsoba is in Burkina Faso’s already announced 27-man squad, and Odilon Kossounou’s final selection for the Ivory Coast is highly likely.🚨 It’s 99,9 % unlikely that Jonathan Tah will join Bayern in January.➡️ Tah is happy at Bayer Leverkusen.➡️ Has no release clause for January.➡️ But: transfer possible next summer.#fcbayern [@philipphinze24] pic.twitter.com/zqUxGZMsNc— Marcel Moeller (@mmarcelandreas) December 22, 2023 Furthermore, allowing Tah to depart would strengthen their biggest rival. Still, it would also repeat the mistake made by Bayern Munich when they loaned defender Josip Stanisic to Leverkusen. This move left Bayern short in defence shortly afterwards.Stanisic will aid Bayer 04 from January in covering the temporary gap in defence, a gap that Bayern Munich will be concurrently addressing, particularly considering they will be without, among others, defender Min-jae Kim (representing South Korea in the Asia Cup) and the currently injured Moroccan right-back Noussair Mazraoui. This situation requires Munich to seek a versatile and top-quality central defender.
