Jonathan Tah before the change: last victory with Bayer Leverkusen?

Von Kl Redaktion

In an exciting duel of the DFB Cup, Bayer Leverkusen won 1-0 against the fourth division club Carl-Zeiss Jena. The defending champion maintained his place in competition, with the game anything but convincing. The focus was particularly on 28-year-old international Jonathan Tah, who threaded the tight victory with his team. This encounter could possibly have been the last one in the black and red yellow jersey, because rumors about a change to Bayern Munich are circulating.

In the stadium in Jena it was Jonas Hofmann who scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute with a header. It was Hofmann's first header since his A-youth, which made the moment special for the experienced ex-international. Despite the victory, Middelfeldstar Robert Andrich was particularly critical among the Leverkuseners: "The most important thing is to tackle such games serious. We did not do that, we have to speak. Nobody has come to the performance limit," he said after the game.

critical voices and team performance

coach Xabi Alonso, who had set his team for a more committed appearance, also reflected on the performance after the game: "We are not yet 100 percent, individual and also as a team, it is a process." This statement illustrates the challenge in front of the Leverkusen to optimize the shape and the team game.

Jena's teammate Muqaj had the chance to equalize in added time, but failed at a crucial moment. With only seconds on the clock, he left the possibility unused when he could not use the cross in front of the goal. This missed opportunity could be a small farewell gift for Tah if he soon leaves the club.

rumors of change and transfer market

rumors about a possible transfer from Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern Munich have been circulating for some time, and the situation has taken off shortly before the transfer window. According to reports, Bayern sports director Max Eberl has already signaled interest in Tah. Bayer Leverkusen had in the past rejected an offer of 20 million euros plus 5 million euros in bonus payments. Since then, however, the negotiations have not developed.

New information suggests that Leverkusen is willing to record discussions about a package price of 30 million euros. This could open the door for a change, especially if FC Barcelona, ​​under the direction of ex-Bayern coach Hansi Flick, also enters the transfer process. Which team can ultimately offer the 30 million euros seems to be the decisive factor.

Before the game, Leverkusen sports director Simon Rolfes commented on the current situation: "I have recently been on the phone with either of them." Alonso, on the other hand, remains optimistic: "There are many rumors, but I have no news right now. That's why I'm planning to continue with Jona." While the rumor mill is boiling, Bayer hopes that Tah not only stays, but also extends his contract.

The persistent speculations about Jonathan Tah throw a shadow on the sporting events and illustrate how closely performance and transfer activities are connected. For Leverkusen, there is now a challenge to concentrate on the sporting goals and the future of their key players while preparing for the next round in the DFB Cup.