Manchester United Move to Hijack Barcelona’s Defensive Target Amid Contract Uncertainty

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, potentially hijacking a deal that Barcelona were confident of securing.

According to Sky Sports Deutschland, United have entered the race for the German international, whose contract with Leverkusen is set to expire this summer.

Barcelona had been leading the chase for the 29-year-old defender and were believed to be close to finalising terms.

However, the deal has hit a stumbling block due to the Spanish club’s ongoing financial difficulties, particularly their ability to register new players under LaLiga’s salary cap regulations.

This uncertainty has opened the door for other clubs to swoop in, with Manchester United now poised to take advantage.

Tah has been a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 2024–25 campaign, playing a pivotal role in their defensive solidity under manager Xabi Alonso.

With over 300 appearances for the club and regular international caps for Germany, Tah brings experience and composure at the back—qualities United are keen to add as they look to rebuild their defence ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest that Real Madrid are monitoring Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in 2025. The Spanish giants are reportedly considering a strategic move before his value diminishes or he becomes available on a free transfer.

With the summer transfer window approaching, clubs across Europe are ramping up their efforts to strengthen their squads, and the battle for Tah could become one of the key storylines.