MUNICHEN (AP) – Bayern Munich has reportedly reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign German defender Jonathan Tah for the Club World Cup.
Kicker Magazine and other media sources indicated on Saturday that Bayern confirmed Tah’s signature has been finalized on May 29th, with “No Transfer Fee” terms. The club will pay Leverkusen up to 4 million euros ($4.6 million) to ensure players are well-prepared for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14th.
The arrangement includes a base fee of 800,000 euros ($910,000) with potential additional payments linked to the team’s success at the Club World Cup, amounting up to 4 million euros, according to Kicker.
Tah’s contract with Leverkusen was set to expire at the end of June. Thus, unless an agreement was reached sooner, he could only join Bayern on a free transfer starting July 1st.
Bayern is set to play Oakland City in Cincinnati on June 15th, followed by outings against Boca Juniors in Miami on June 20th, and Benfica in Charlotte on June 24th.
Tensions between Bayern and Leverkusen have risen, particularly after Leverkusen CEO Fernando Caro criticized Bayern’s Max Hebert following a failed bid to acquire Leverkusen’s captain last season. Bayern’s attempts in this transfer window added fuel to the rivalry.
The decision to secure Tah’s transfer before the end of his contract at Leverkusen shows a pragmatic approach from the club.
Real Madrid set a precedent with reported fees of up to 10 million euros ($11.4 million) to re-sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.
Bayern is also in talks with Hoffenheim regarding Tom Bischof for future tournaments.
Leverkusen anticipates a summer of rebuilding after Xabi Alonso’s departure as coach, alongside the exits of wingback Jeremy Frimpong to Bayern and star player Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka from Leverkusen expressed on Friday that he would be open to a move amid interest from AC Milan.
Leverkusen has appointed former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag to replace Alonso, who is bound for Real Madrid, and signed highly-rated teenager Ibrahim Maza from second division club Hertha Berlin. Additionally, 21-year-old defender Tim Orman has been loaned to Austrian champions Sturm Graz after leaving Bochum. Promising midfielder Frances Onieka will also head to Bochum on a loan for next season.
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Source: apnews.com