Manchester United on alert as Bayer Leverkusen confirm they will either ‘extend or sell’ £15.5m defender targeted in January

Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation of Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah

Manchester United have received a fresh update amid their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window.

According to football reporter Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga champions-elect want to either extend the 28-year-old’s contract this summer or move him on.

United have been monitoring the Germany international’s situation for a while, as per a previous report from The Sun according to Eurosport, alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham and Chelsea.

Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation of Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah.
Tah has led Xabi Alonso’s side on the pitch as they continue to have an unbeaten league campaign, having conceded just 22 goals with three games left. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Tah is undoubtedly a seasoned veteran, particularly within the Bundesliga and specifically Bayer Leverkusen. While there has always been outside interest in his services, his current elevated stock can largely be attributed to the tactical approach implemented by Xabi Alonso, which has significantly raised the overall standards of the team this season.

Despite his experience in the Bundesliga, Tah has never played outside of Germany, which may present a potential risk for any team looking to acquire him. However, at a price of around £15.5 million, one could argue that this represents a calculated risk worth taking.

The price tag makes Tah an appealing prospect for clubs seeking to bolster their defensive ranks, especially considering his wealth of experience and the potential for further development under the right guidance. While there may be uncertainties associated with his transition to a new league, the potential rewards of acquiring a player of Tah’s calibre at a relatively modest fee could outweigh the risks for many teams.

Tah’s success more a by-product of Xabi Alonso’s genius

Then again, when you are the leader of the first side to end Bayern Munich’s decade-long hegemony in Germany and will get to play Champions League football under Xabi Alonso’s tutelage next season, only a very hefty, once-in-a-lifetime contract offer could turn your head from what is already a very good place to be at right now.

Tah finds himself in a highly favourable position as a key figure in the Bayer Leverkusen side that ended Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance in Germany. Playing under the guidance of Alonso and securing Champions League football for the upcoming season adds even more allure to his current situation.

Tah’s all-time stats for Leverkusen: 346 appearances, 14 goals, 12 assists. (Source: Transfermarkt) (Photo by Matthias Kern/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Given these circumstances, it would likely take a substantial and exceptional contract offer to tempt Tah away from what is already a very desirable situation. The opportunity to continue developing under Alonso’s tutelage, compete in the Champions League, and be part of a team that has achieved such significant success makes Leverkusen an attractive destination for the defender.

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While lucrative offers from other clubs may come his way, Tah may prioritize the stability, growth, and success he is currently experiencing at Leverkusen over the potential rewards offered elsewhere.